Harris Corporation Transitions Legacy FAA Telecommunications Microwave Services in Alaska to New Managed Services Network

    March 30, 2009

    New Systems in Kenai and Anchorage Are Part of $69 Million Program to Update FAA Microwave Network across National Airspace

    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. , March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Booth #400 -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), working within the scope of its FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program, recently received Federal Aviation Administration acceptance of the first two systems of a new terrestrial microwave network. The first two systems -- part of a 21-system network -- are in Kenai and Anchorage, Alaska . The systems are part of a seven-year $69 million program in which Harris, working with the FAA, is providing a new terrestrial microwave network that will provide assured communications services in areas where it is difficult or near impossible to use traditional telecommunications lines. The project began last November and is part of the FAA's overall communications capabilities upgrade under the FTI program.

    Harris, the prime contractor and system architect for the FTI, is demonstrating the nationwide network at its booth during the 25th National Space Symposium being held March 30 through April 2 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado .

    "With the addition of the 21 microwave systems under the FTI umbrella, the FAA will be a step closer to achieving the FTI vision for high quality, cost-effective telecommunication services to support all FAA operational and mission support activities with integrated network and security management," said John O'Sullivan , vice president of FAA Programs for Harris Corporation.

    The new Harris microwave network will provide voice and data communications in geographically challenging locations, including the continental U.S., Alaska , Hawaii , Puerto Rico , Guam , and the Virgin Islands . The network will replace the agency's existing microwave equipment -- operating in the 2-GHz frequency range -- with leading-edge microwave technology from Harris Stratex Networks, Inc., which will operate in the 7, 8, and 15 GHz frequency ranges. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration sold the 2-GHz frequencies to commercial entities, requiring the FAA and other government agencies to transition to different frequency ranges.

    During the 15-year FTI program, which was awarded to Harris in 2002, the company is upgrading and improving telecommunications and operations functions at more than 4,000 FAA facilities nationwide. Harris is providing the FAA with a secure, efficient network, and cost-effective telecommunication and managed network services to support all FAA operations and mission-support activities. FTI is expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of the program.

    The Harris Civil Programs business unit provides highly reliable, mission critical communications and information processing systems that meet the most demanding needs of customers in the U.S. civilian federal marketplace. Customers include the FAA, Census Bureau, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Health and Human Services and the Government Printing Office.

    About Harris Corporation

    Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida , the company has annual revenue of $5.4 billion and 16,000 employees -- including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications(R) products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

    SOURCE Harris Corporation