Through this contract, the Florida State Technology Office (STO) will establish a radio network that will enable first responders and law enforcement using different radio systems and frequencies, throughout the state, to communicate with each other.
"Thanks to the partnerships between STO and innovative companies like Motorola and M/A-COM, Florida is the first state to give all law enforcement, first responders, and government agencies the power to communicate with each other regardless of what kind of radio systems or frequencies they use locally," Gov. Bush said. "As a result, first responders and law enforcement officers will be able to talk with each other and share critical information regardless of hurricanes or other disasters in our state -- even if their local radio systems aren't compatible with each other."
The new interoperability system will be deployed and operational for use in security communications for Super Bowl XXXIX, scheduled in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. The Tampa Bay area will also benefit by receiving an early installation of the system. The STO anticipates that all Florida counties will be connected to the system by the end of 2005.
"This system is a huge step for Florida's homeland security efforts," State Chief Information Officer Simone Marstiller said. "By connecting users and allowing them to communicate in ways not possible before, the system will strengthen Florida's security, ensuring that all citizens are protected. Through the network, dispatch centers will have unprecedented capabilities to communicate with each other to coordinate response and radio users will be able to talk directly to all other users."
The contract with Motorola will provide equipment to service over 200 local public safety dispatch centers located in all of Florida's 67 counties. By leveraging existing state resources, this system will network the existing radio systems and dispatch centers, utilizing the state's Intranet, existing telecommunications providers, and existing facilities.
"The technology allows for simultaneous conversations to be established quickly and seamlessly on a private network without disruption to normal operations. The end result is that the citizens of Florida will be better served," said Mark Moon, vice president and general manager, Motorola.
