Verizon Wireless Introduces Interoperability For Push To Talk And Land Mobile Radio

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless today announced that customers will soon have the ability to expand the reach of traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems by connecting to Push to Talk users on the Verizon Wireless network. In September, Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk LMR Interoperability Solution will provide organizations with the ability to integrate the company’s Push to Talk service with existing radio systems to create a broader LMR footprint that includes the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network. Verizon Wireless will partner with Catalyst Communications Technologies and Link Communications to implement the solution.

The service is ideal for any agency that communicates with large groups of mobile workers, including those in public safety, transportation and utilities. In addition, Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk LMR Interoperability Solution can help customers:

• Reduce the costs associated with expanding LMR systems for more effective use of budget dollars.
• Free up capacity on the radio network by moving certain user groups to the Push to Talk service.
• Implement a back-up solution in case of an LMR system outage.
• Introduce additional Verizon Wireless productivity tools such as Field Force Manager for mobile resource management, VZ Navigator(SM) for turn-by-turn navigation, and Mobile Email.

“By adding Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk service to the traditional Land Mobile Radio systems, agencies can effectively double the impact and effectiveness of the service. These customers get the reliability of the Verizon Wireless network along with a secure and efficient means of communicating with customers far beyond the normal reach of an LMR system,” said Mark Bartolomeo, vice president enterprise data marketing, Verizon Wireless. “For a police chief needing to communicate with colleagues in remote locations, a railroad dispatcher needing to contact field workers when they are beyond the range of the LMR system, or a utility company responding in a situation where the LMR service goes down, the Push to Talk LMR Interoperability Solution helps ensure that critical communication is never jeopardized.”

Robin Greer, president, Catalyst, added, “Public safety and other mission critical voice users need greater coverage without sacrificing reliability. Verizon Wireless’ nationwide network provides unprecedented Push to Talk coverage, and Catalyst is pleased to partner with the company to address the critical need for interoperability across our nation.”

“By integrating Push to Talk into the radio system, organizations virtually eliminate a common complaint of first responders – missing a dispatch. The additional coverage provided by the Verizon Wireless nationwide network provides another layer of reliability to the LMR system. First responders also benefit with this solution because multiple agencies with different technologies can now communicate by using the Verizon Wireless Push to Talk module. This solution resolves the issues associated with interoperability,” said Allan Overcast, president and chief executive officer, Link Communications.

The solution requires the deployment of an LMR Gateway and software, provided by Catalyst or Link Communications, which serve as an interface between LMR handsets, two-way radios, and mobile or base stations to the Push to Talk handsets on the Verizon Wireless network. The system effectively allows customers to expand their LMR system to reach to the entire Verizon Wireless nationwide network.

Push to Talk is available for a $5.00 monthly charge per line when added to a qualifying voice plan. Customers can also choose a Push to Talk-only plan without voice calling for a $29.99 monthly charge per line. Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk gives administrators the ability to manage contacts online (www.verizon.com/business/products/voice-collaboration/workforce-productivity/push-talk-plus/). Separately purchased Push to Talk handsets are required when subscribing to the service.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, business customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com or call a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: For a demonstration of the Push to Talk LMR Interoperability Solution at the 2009 APCO International Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, please visit the Verizon Wireless booth (#1144), the Catalyst booth (#1544) or the Link Communications booth (#507).)

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc.
Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc. markets Radio Control over IP technology for the Land Mobile Radio Industry and is a force for change in the effort to bring Internet-derived technologies into mobile radio applications. Catalyst focuses on products that leverage standard Windows-based computers to reduce cost and increase the efficiency of network operators and end users. Catalyst’s extensive product line significantly enhances legacy dispatch communications systems by seamlessly bridging wireless and wireline communications networks for network-based interoperability. www.catcomtec.com  

About Link Communications, Inc.
Link Communications designs and develops equipment to address radio and IP based interoperability needs as well as permanent and mobile infrastructure support. Link offers both IP and analog based solutions in fixed or tactical configurations, supporting land and satellite based systems. Powerful Windows based GUI interfacing software enables setup, control and operation of individual or network-wide assets providing complete solutions for our customers. Our expertise in RF, IP and analog systems provides a total balance of equipment and support for our customers. www.link-comm.com  

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