[Scan-DC] DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO LEAD NATION IN PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS

[Alan Henney]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     CONTACT: Linda Argo
FEBRUARY 12, 2004        (202) 727-2277


DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO LEAD NATION IN PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Installing First of Its Kind Wireless Broadband Data Network for
Police, Fire Services

WASHINGTON-The District of Columbia Office of the Chief Technology
Officer (OCTO) today announced the selection of Motorola and Flarion
Technologies to build a first in the nation public safety high-speed
wireless broadband data network.

"Our first responders give their all everyday; we owe them the best
available tools available to do the difficult job of keeping us all
safe," said District Chief Technology Officer Suzanne Peck.  "This is
a major step towards delivering critical information to police, fire,
and emergency medical services workers wherever they need it to
safeguard our lives."

The program includes installation, testing, and operations of the
network for a year. The network will use 10 transmission sites that
provide citywide coverage for first responders to access this new
wireless public safety data network in the field.

 "This network will enable significant new capabilities -- link
hospitals and ambulances with real-time video, download mug shots to
officers in the field or even convey the detection of a chemical
weapons attack via wireless devices," said Peck.  She added "I'm
pleased that we can now deliver broadband to our first responders
where it never before seemed possible.  The applications our first
responders have asked to support wirelessly are only the tip of the
iceberg.  Just as the Internet has matured into a powerful
communications tool, this network will serve as a catalyst for
innovation."

"Flarion is pleased to be working with OCTO and Motorola in this very
important technology initiative," said Ray Dolan, chairman and CEO of
Flarion Technologies.  "Together, we will deliver a broadband solution
that is secure, spectrally-efficient and affordable, providing our
nation's first responders the tools they deserve."  The schedule is to
have the initial installation completed by summer, and to test the
network for a period of one year following installation.

"Motorola is proud to be a part of this innovative broadband data
network that builds upon the success of the District's recent major
upgrade to its public safety wireless radio communications system,"
said Rich Baids, Motorola vice president and general manager, Radio
Systems Division.  "Motorola is pleased to work together with OCTO and
Flarion to deliver this cutting-edge high-speed data solution that
once again showcases the District's position as a national leader in
public safety communications.  This data network will serve as a model
for other public safety agencies."

Unfortunately, not all jurisdictions have the ability to install a
broadband network such as this due to the limited radio spectrum
allocated to public safety.  The District Government is a founding
member of the Spectrum Coalition for Public Safety, a national
coalition of state and local governments formed to secure nationwide
spectrum in the 700 MHz band.  Peck added, "Our needs are not unique.
Every first responder across the country requires access to
bandwidth-intensive applications anywhere.   Only Congress can
allocate this spectrum to our first responders.  If we miss this
opportunity, public safety communications will be hampered for decades
to come."

For more information, visit www.octo.dc.gov or
www.spectrumcoalition.org.