Rivada Provides Affordable Solution That Requires No Further Spectrum Allocation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a move that demonstrates a promising solution to the nation's emergency communications problems, the Louisiana Army National Guard (LAARNG) is adopting a ground-breaking communications system designed by Rivada Networks. This solution will equip LAARNG with a powerful, broadband, fully interoperable system delivering high-speed voice and data for both day-to-day and emergency uses, over a network that can survive natural or man-made disasters. LAARNG made the selection after a period of competitive evaluation and testing.
LAARNG is the latest of several notable public safety and military agencies that have recently opted to migrate to Rivada Networks' solution, the nation's only broadband, interoperable public safety communications approach that:
-- is available today, -- does not require new spectrum allocation or depend on federal spectrum auctions or mandates, and -- offers far greater range and capability at a fraction of the cost of other existing or planned technologies.Rivada Networks has achieved this success by adapting - rather than re-inventing - the wheel. The Rivada solution leverages and supplements the existing infrastructure and off-the-shelf technology of the
"In partnering with Rivada Networks, we will utilize leading-edge technology to provide critical day-to-day wireless voice and data connectivity and seamless transition to emergency communications, when required, using the same systems," said Colonel Ronnie Johnson of the LAARNG. "This is a major step forward for the Guard and offers the potential for redundant capabilities for our local state and federal emergency response partners."
"Rivada Networks is well known and highly regarded within the public safety communications industry," said George S. Rice, Jr., executive director of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO International), the world's largest organization dedicated to public safety communications. "They fully understand the needs of public safety communications and have an excellent record of providing critical service to first responders."
Although Rivada has provided emergency customer support for a number of significant customers since 2004, this is the company's first contract for both day-to-day operations and emergency-response scenarios. Today, the company is providing emergency broadband communications support for the National Guard Bureau in more than 16 states, as well as for three federal agencies. Most notably, Rivada provided emergency broadband communication capabilities in the Gulf States region when existing infrastructure failed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The company designed, integrated and maintained emergency communications systems for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Rivada Networks executives were awarded the Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for these efforts.
Additionally, Rivada Networks has used its communications technology to assist the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in protecting U.S. borders from illegal crossings, and it was on call to provide communications support for the Southern California wildfires last month.
"The Louisiana National Guard has now clearly defined itself as an international center of excellence in the arena of public safety communications, with the ability to tackle the most severe challenges that man or nature may offer," said retired Rear Admiral Robert F. Duncan , Senior Vice President of Government Services for Rivada Networks. Duncan is a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard who led the Commandant's Task Force for Homeland Security and also led rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "The Louisiana National Guard is sure to further strengthen its growing national reputation as a center of communications excellence and become an international showcase of what the new Louisiana is capable of bringing to the world."
About Rivada Networks
Rivada Networks (www.rivada.com) helps governments address deficiencies in their public safety communication networks. Evaluations of public safety networks in the United States and Europe following recent natural disasters and terrorist threats have highlighted significant deficiencies. These deficiencies include the inability of government agencies, military forces and first responders to exchange information across functional, service and geographic boundaries due to non-interoperability and an inability to utilize new technologies such as still image capture, video, position location and IP push-to-talk due to outdated networks and equipment. Recognizing the increased threats from natural and manmade disasters, Rivada is working with governments in the United States and Europe to improve their communications and information technology infrastructure.
SOURCE Rivada Networks
