Airbus DS Communications Completes Pilot for ISSI-Based LMR Interoperability Solution

TEMECULA, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 11, 2016) - Airbus DS Communications, an entity of Airbus Defence and Space, today announced that it has successfully completed a customer pilot of an open, standards-compliant Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) to link the VESTA™ Radio P25 solution with carrier-integrated Broadband (push-to-talk) PTT systems. The land mobile radio (LMR) interoperability pilot at the City of Richardson involves agencies such as Traffic, Water, Sanitation, and others, providing them with seamless PTT communications with each other as well as users on the City's VESTA Radio network.

The ISSI-based LMR interoperability solution will be demonstrated in Airbus DS Communications' booth (#1353) at APCO 2016, linking voice communication to another booth at the show.

Interoperability between the VESTA Radio solution and carrier broadband PTT services makes it possible for private and public organizations, such as the City of Richardson, to provide fast, secure, reliable push-to-talk communications for all users, mission-support and first responders, over any network, P25, 4G/LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi. PTT is probably one of the most important features in mission critical situations. Pressing the push-to-talk key starts a call and the connection is made in a few milliseconds. With the addition of ISSI-based LMR interoperability, mission-support and other agencies can be seamlessly connected through carrier networks and have the flexibility to employ non-mission critical handheld devices at competitive price points while expanding coverage beyond the traditional LMR network. Moreover, the interoperability makes it possible to use a single device to access mobile data applications and LMR voice communications. The result is increased productivity, collaboration and efficiency.

"We're proud to have called Airbus DS Communications a partner for our VESTA P25 radio solution for more than six years," said Steve Graves, Chief Information Officer for the City of Richardson, Texas. "The collaboration with Airbus and its partners to develop solutions like these is invaluable to public safety agencies and the cities they serve. With this solution, communication is seamless. The City of Richardson has essentially added new PTT users within mission-support agencies using cost-effective smartphone devices instead of more costly, traditional LMR radios."

"Airbus DS Communications designs with an open mind, always delivering standards-compliant solutions to give our customers greater choice and control," said John Szpak, General Manager, VESTA Radio Products at Airbus DS Communications. "LMR interoperability with Broadband PTT users over carrier networks, using ISSI, is a key enabler for our customers. It is cost effective and seamlessly links VESTA Radio public safety users with other departments. As a result city and county governments increase productivity while keeping everyone connected when it matters most."

The VESTA Radio solution is P25 standards-compliant and completely open, allowing organizations to choose the exact components, such as radios, consoles and recorders they need from a variety of vendors. The VESTA Radio solution standards delivers clear, reliable, sub-second push-to-talk communications and LMR interoperability over 4G/LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi networks.

Airbus Defense and Space
Airbus Defense and Space, a division of Airbus Group, is Europe's number one defense and space enterprise and the second largest space business worldwide. Its activities include space, military aircraft and related systems and services. It employs more than 38,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of over 13 billion Euros.

Airbus DS Communications, Inc., an Airbus Defense and Space Inc. company, is a global leader and trusted source for mission-critical communications technologies. The VESTA® product suite provides Next Generation 9-1-1 call handling systems, land mobile radio solutions and emergency notification applications, creating smarter ways to keep all our communities safe.