Alcatel-Lucent and EADS Defence & Security (DS) have signed an agreement in principle to jointly develop and offer a powerful mobile solution designed specifically to address the public safety market in the United States. The solution, based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) and on the public safety Project 25 (P25) standards, will provide mission-critical communications to state and local public safety organizations (fire, police and ambulance departments) through a fully integrated, end-to-end solution based on advanced, reliable mobile and IP technologies.

The joint solution will greatly enhance interoperable voice, video and data communications within and between public safety agencies and help streamline operations, while reducing costs associated with maintaining multiple non-interoperable networks.

Alcatel-Lucent will adapt its LTE-based radio access network, enhanced packet core, IMS and IP backhaul infrastructure and systems to the frequency band dedicated to broadband public safety services in the US. The company will also provide integration, validation and testing solutions and services. For its part, EADS Defence & Security will provide Land Mobile Radio (LMR) infrastructure and systems, LTE terminals and public safety applications. The company will also provide integration, validation and testing solutions and services.

Initially the two companies will define, develop, integrate and qualify a joint end-to-end solution for the 700 MHz spectrum to meet the specialized needs of the US public safety markets. The cooperation may eventually be expanded to worldwide markets and other frequencies. The two companies will market the joint solution to public safety players through either their respective existing sales channels or to and through service providers and systems integrators.

Tom Burns, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s Enterprise activities, commented, “By combining our best-in-class end-to-end broadband wireless solutions with EADS’ public safety applications and technologies, we will provide first responders and public safety organizations new powerful communication tools and services.”

Hervé Guillou, CEO of Defence & Communications Systems in EADS DS, added, “We are looking to propose mission-critical systems combining the strengths of our COR P25 radio system open architecture with the next generation of networks and applications in order to better respond to customer requirements. We have found the best partner as Alcatel-Lucent is a leader in LTE and has a strong presence in North America.”