RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. , the leading independent supplier of turnkey wireless transmission solutions, today announced that the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) has selected its Constellation(R) radios to enhance Oregon's statewide communications and public safety backbone network.
Under the terms of the deal, Harris Stratex Networks will deploy Constellation digital microwave radios at the OC-3 transmission level, providing the high bandwidth and radio interconnectivity necessary to expand the range, efficiency and effectiveness of CRITFC operations, including those of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement (CRITFE). The complete turnkey solution will include new radios, SONET multiplexers, antennas, waveguides and turn-key services.
The new network will be used in the commission's day-to-day operations, which include land and water patrols along 147 miles of the Columbia River in Oregon. CRITFE's 20 officers augment tribal law enforcement, serving tribal members who exercise their treaty fishing rights in the Columbia River Basin. During fishing season, patrol officers inspect fishing sites and complete surveillance operations using a state-of-the-art communications network built by Harris Stratex Networks. The additional network bandwidth will enable CRIFTE officers to access nationwide police database information from patrol cars or boats.
"Harris Stratex Networks is giving us the bandwidth and interoperability we need to maximize the effectiveness of our inspection, surveillance and patrolling programs," said John Johnson Chief, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement. "This network enhancement represents the first stage of a comprehensive network construction program supported by state, local and regional governments and law enforcement organizations."
Agencies at all levels are cooperating to enhance the Oregon communications network, with the objective of expanding wireless communications services and providing interoperability among law enforcement, transportation and other state organizations. Under the guidance of Don Pfohl, the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) Section of the Oregon State Police has been tasked with delivering a new level of wireless communication, voice and data system management, engineering, operations, and maintenance to all state and user agencies. In a laudable show of inter-agency cooperation, CRITFC is also working closely with the Oregon Department of Transportation under the direction of Bob Freund, manager of ODOT's wireless group, to ensure that state, local and federal resources are optimized to deliver the best communication system for the best price.
"We have developed a long and successful relationship with CRITFE over the past four years, and we are looking forward to providing them with the interoperability they need to optimize their communication system," said Jayne Leighton, vice president, North American Sales and Services, Harris Stratex Networks. "Our Constellation radios are an excellent choice for the CRIFTE requirements, delivering the reliability required to maximize their efficiency, with the scalability to protect their investment over the long term."
The CRITFC deal represents the latest in several turnkey networking programs in the public safety sector led by Harris Stratex Networks. The company announced its contract to upgrade the Kentucky Emergency Warning System (KEWS), an analog microwave system in June, and in October, the company announced that it would upgrade Alaska's Anchorage Wide Area Radio Network (AWARN), used for fire, police, medical and emergency services communications.
About CRITFC
For generations, traditional fishing authorities governed tribal communities on the Columbia River. One such authority was the old "Celilo Fish Committee." The authority exercised by the Celilo Fish Committee was derived from the sovereign powers of the people living and fishing in nearby tribal territories. The committee ordained fishing practices that were disciplined and designed to serve a high purpose: to ensure that the salmon resource was served first--even worshipped--so that it would flourish and always exist. Tribal fish committee practices were successful--salmon were plentiful season after season. Then, the Columbia River and its adjacent environment were dramatically altered. Obstacles to salmon migration proliferated. Water quality and water flow were diminished. Ocean and in-river fishing increased. The salmon declined.
To counteract these effects and to protect their treaty-reserved property and sacred salmon heritage, the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes joined together in 1977 in the manner of the old Celilo Fish Committee. The purpose: to renew their authority in fisheries management.
Out of that effort, the tribes created a coordinating and technical organization to support their joint and individual exercise of sovereign authority. Based as it was on a time-tested tradition, the new organization, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, became a valuable means for organized intertribal representation in regional planning, policy, and decision-making. For more information, visit: http://www.critfc.org/.
About Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.
Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. is the world's leading independent supplier of turnkey wireless transmission solutions. The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support. Harris Stratex Networks serves all global markets, including mobile network operators, public safety agencies, private network operators, utility and transportation companies, government agencies and broadcasters. Customers in more than 135 countries depend on Harris Stratex Networks to build, expand and upgrade their voice, data and video solutions. Harris Stratex Networks is recognised around the world for innovative, best-in-class wireless networking solutions and services. For more information, visit http://www.harrisstratex.com/.
