Chicago tests new Multiband Radio System Chicago is one of four test sites chosen to participate a new public safety radio system pilot sponsered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. In addition to Chicago, other cities participating in the thirty day pilot program are reportedly Phoenix, New Orleans, and Miami.
The pilot program will be the second test for the Harris Multiband Radio. The first was launched in February 2011, on opening day of NASCAR at the Phoenix International Raceway. The Harris XG-100 multi-band radio was the second model tested with the support of the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) The first model was the Thales Communications’ Liberty radio.
One of the "lessons-learned" immediately followimg the 9/11 terrorist attacks was that the 800 MHz radios did not work inside the World Trade Center buildings, in the basement parking garages, in collapsed structures, or during heavy radio traffic. First responders on the scene after the attack at the Pemtagon, who were trained to use interoperable systems had much greater success with response efforts.
Officials say the Harris Unity radio system is the first of its kind, allowing first responders that use different radio bandwidths to communicate using the same wavelength without involving a third party. The Department of Homeland Security S&T Program Manager for Multi-Band Radio Program Tom Chirhart says:
"All the channels are available at one location so that you communicate seamlessly just by selecting a switch, so a local first responder can talk to a Coast Guard or Marine, they can communicate with the amateur radio community."
Critics of multi-band radio systems cite costs, reports vary on the price of the radios, per unit ranging from $3500- $6,000 for each first responder. Tom Chirhart, S&T's Program Manager for the Multi-Band Radio Program said:
“DHS is working to ensure that the best radio equipment is available to emergency responders at all levels,” said Chirhart. “Having numerous multi-band radios available to agencies not only improves selection, but will increase competition and drive prices down over time.
Advocates argue that the multi-band radio can replace up to five different radios in a single unit, at a cost comparable to just one of the existing high-end portable radios—providing responders with the cutting-edge communication capabilities necessary to successfully respond to emergencies.
Critics argue that multi-band radios are unnecessary, and that jurisdictions operate perfectly fine with single-band radios. and ask "why carry two radios?" Dennis Martinez, CTO of Harris’ RF communications division says there are cases where the multiband radio would be an important tool to improve first responders' ability to be dispatched to other jurisdictions and large events. It’s a case where maybe one size doesn’t fit all. S&T Program Manager for the multi-band radio program, Tom Chirhart says he does not believe that multiband radios are the answer to interoperability or the magic bullet for all interoperability. However, he believes it’s a great tool in the toolbox.
HSToday list Harris as one of the "Rising 10 of 2011" dynamic companies that are building up their homeland security business. Companies that make the list are noteworthy either due to recent contract wins or their overall positioning in growing areas within homeland security, in which Harris Corp has both.
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