Northwestern University has selected Motorola Solutions' 900 MHz ASTRO 25 Project 25 (P25) voice and integrated data communication system, which will replace a 14-year-old analog trunking system.
The system also provides a standards-based IP system enabling interoperability and greater efficiency for the Northwestern University community.
The system will be used by Northwestern's Evanston and Chicago campus police, facilities management, events staff, sports facilities management, and other support and operations staff to improve communications.
The system, which consists of three simulcast sites, will expand to seven channels from the previous six channels.
"Northwestern looked at various options for replacing our existing trunked-simulcast system," said Don Hlinsky, Northwestern University IT project manager, in a release. "Options at 900MHz are somewhat limited, so we anticipated having to compromise on our requirements for a standards-based replacement system. Motorola was able to provide a P25, simulcast trunked system that met all of our technical, logistical, and budgetary requirements without compromise."
The system will have three dispatch positions with MCC 7500 IP consoles and 911 call-taking, and a MIP 5000 for remote dispatch functionality. In addition to voice operations, text messaging capability will be available using Motorola XTS 2500 subscribers.
"Northwestern University was looking for a state-of-the-art communications platform to serve the university in a cost-efficient yet technologically advanced manner," said Kelly Kirwan, Motorola Solutions' corporate vice president. "Our latest P25 advancement, an ASTRO 25 solution operating at 900MHz, is the perfect fit for its needs, and we look forward to working with universities across North America to implement similar interoperable solutions with local communities."