Communications International nabs Mass. radio system deal

Communications International Inc. won a $7.8 million contract from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to continue building and testing a new interoperable radio communications system.

Under the contract, CII of Vero Beach, Fla., will install and test an 800 MHz enhanced, digital, public-safety radio communications system.

The system, which the authority purchased separately, is manufactured by M/A-Com of Lowell, Mass., a unit of Tyco Electronics Corp., Harrisburg, Pa.

The new system will link the organization's employees through a single, interconnected radio system that offers interoperable two-way voice and data communications. The system will be used by personnel and supervisors as well as the authority's police, bus and subway operators.

The organization believes the integrated system ultimately will improve customer service by streamlining the transfer of information and data regarding vehicle and train status, scheduling and passenger emergencies.

In 2005 CII began a three-part installation and integration of the organization's 20-channel digital simulcast radio system, mobile and portable radios as well as a computer-aided dispatch system and automatic vehicle location system.

Communications International is a privately held company that provides communication technology, management services and customs solutions to the public and private sectors.