Mary-Louise Hoffman
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Avtec and Christine Wireless commercial licensing rights to a DHS-built technology that works to help public safety organizations reconfigure or update legacy communication systems.
DHS said Monday its science and technology directorate’s first responders group developed the Radio Internet-Protocol Communications Module to connect radio frequency consoles and base stations over an IP network.
“Instead of having to replace an entire system – which can cost as much as $15,000 – when one component breaks or becomes obsolete, organizations can use any RIC-M compatible product to extend the system’s life for another 10 to 20 years,” said Christine Lee, FRG program manager.
RIC-M is also designed to convert a V.24 serial communications protocol into a voice over IP open architecture and to operate with analog communication devices.
Avtec and Christine Wireless obtained the technology licenses by signing a cooperative research and development agreement with the department.
The agreement allows both vendors to manufacture and market RIC-Ms in the commercial sector.
DHS added the first responder communications platform will be available to other agencies soon through the U.S. General Services Administration‘s Schedules program.
