The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) www.dhs,gov/science-and-technology has licensed the “Radio Internet-Protocol Communications Module” (RIC-M) to two commercial partners Christine Wireless Inc., and Avtec Inc.
This new interoperability solution developed by the First Responders Group (FRG) at DHS www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/first-responders enables response agencies to easily upgrade and reconfigure legacy communications systems at a low cost which potentially could extend the life of the technology for decades.
RIC-M used by local, state, and federal responders, is a low cost external, stand-alone, interface device that connects radio frequency system base stations, consoles, and other RF equipment regardless of brand over the internet or private Internet Protocol (IP) network.
“Instead of having to replace an entire system which can cost as much as $15,000 when a component breaks or becomes obsolete, organizations can now use any RIC-M compatible product to extend the system’s life for another 10 to 20 years,” said FRG Program Manager Christine Lee.
“In the past, legacy systems were not interoperable,” explained Lee. “Now RIC-M allows first responder organizations to be free from dependence on expensive, single vendor communication solutions, which can offer cost savings and a wider variety of equipment.”
The licenses to Christine Wireless Inc. and Avtec Inc. were awarded through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to manufacture and sell RIC-Ms in commercial markets. Interested agencies can order the devices from both vendors and soon will be able to procure the devices via GSA schedules.
For more information, contact Christine Wireless Inc. located in Ellicott City Maryland at 410-465-5839 and Avtec Inc. located in Levington South Carolina at 1-803-358-3600.