2019-10-16

Tessco and CommScope Collaborate to Deliver Public Safety Wireless Solutions

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

TESSCO Technologies announced it has secured the entire first year production capacity for CommScope’s new public safety product, the Bi-Directional Amplifier that addresses a key need for reliable, cost-effective public safety wireless systems.

State and local building authorities are increasingly mandating public safety wireless systems for new and even existing commercial structures. To ensure that emergency responders have continuous communication, these systems must meet strict criteria for continuous operation during fires, floods and other emergencies. However, as non-commercial systems they provide no direct return on investment, therefore building owners seek simple and cost-effective solutions.

The CommScope Bi-Directional Amplifier has been designed from the ground up to meet this need. As a repeater-based solution, it takes signals over the air and thus requires a minimal footprint within the building. It comes in a range of frequency band and power options, supports battery backup, and is fully compliant with relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. It is software upgradeable.

Tessco, as a leading distributor of wireless infrastructure products, provides complete public safety solutions consisting of the Bi-Directional Amplifier along with necessary cabling, antennas and other components, through extensive network of value-added resellers.

“Tessco has been engaged with us over the last two years to bring this product to market. This, combined with Tessco’s commitment to the public safety market, will help meet the growing need for reliable, cost-effective public safety wireless systems,” said Michael Shumate, vice president of Distributed Coverage and Capacity Systems for CommScope’s Mobility Solutions.

“Our long-standing successful partnership fostered this collaboration, resulting in this new product offering from CommScope and our decision to consume their entire production for the next year,” said Tammy Ridgley, vice president Solutions Development and Product Management for Tessco. “With CommScope expanding their product line card in this category, Tessco continues to build a competitive and robust public safety offering.”

Tessco is now accepting orders with expected shipping in late Q4 or early in the first quarter of 2020.