National Interop CEO Testifies in Washington D.C.

David Billstrom invited to address committee as content expert on public safety communications systems; new radios not the answer for local, first response agencies

PORTLAND, Ore. -- National Interop, Inc. announced today that its CEO David Billstrom has testified before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in Washington D.C. Billstrom's testimony is part of a full committee hearing entitled, "The Present and Future of Public Safety Communications."

As a subject matter expert on the important issues in public safety communications, and specifically on the need for interoperability of communications systems, Billstrom offered insight into the alternatives to an equipment-centric approach to interoperability. Billstrom encouraged the committee to mandate the use of open standards, software-based radio systems whenever federal funds are used for public safety radios.

Billstrom suggested that the committee examine and follow the precedent set by the U.S. military, which for more than four years has been deploying a technology called Internet Protocol (IP) Radio to allow field radios, fixed telephones, encrypted command radios, laptops, and satellite radios to all interconnect.

"An open, device-independent, standards-based, software approach such as IP Radio, already embraced elsewhere, will meet several of our most critical needs immediately," Billstrom said.

Billstrom's testimony noted that the Department of Homeland Security has distributed millions of dollars in funding for radio communications, but it is being funneled into radio systems that are primarily used by federal and state agencies. By comparison, 79 percent of first responders serve from local agencies, and therefore, they are not benefiting from improved communications.

"Leveraging IP radio is less expensive than propriety networks that require purchase of new radios," added Billstrom. "IP radio allows everyone to participate in an integrated, interoperable radio communications system using the most simple device, even a mobile phone."

A transcript of the entire commentary at http://www.nationalinterop.com/documents/20070208SenateTestimony.pdf.

About National Interop

National Interop, Inc. serves public safety agencies by providing tactical and permanent communications systems. The company's staff includes current and former public safety first responders, VoIP and network experts, land mobile radio technicians, and system analysts and designers.

The company offers consultation, construction and training services and creates communication systems that are flexible, economical, and scalable. National Interop, Inc. is privately held with offices in Seattle, Wash. and Portland, Ore. Additional information is available at www.nationalinterop.com.