The State of New Hampshire sought a portable radio that is waterproof, has GPS capabilities, and responds to the requirements of the Federal Interoperability Initiative with a Project 25 digital operating mode. The Thales 25 is the most rugged Project 25-compliant portable digital radio available for homeland security and public safety. Its housing is machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum and is submersible in water to 2 meters. Thales is recognized as a leader in providing users with an effective Project 25 GPS solution, a very valuable feature because of its ability to monitor in real-time the locations and movements of the user community. This feature is compatible with most existing GPS mapping applications used for importing extensive maps (such as street maps, topographical maps, and satellite imagery), including GIS by ESRI.

Project 25 is suite of standards established to respond to the need for communications interoperability for first responders, homeland security, and emergency response professionals. In light of recent worldwide terrorist activities, interoperability among first responders is a key initiative of many countries.

"Our experience in the public safety markets and our expertise with software-defined radio (SDR) technology uniquely position us to meet the challenges of providing interoperable solutions to first responders," said Steve Nichols, manager of homeland security and public safety for Thales Communications. "We are working with users in the public safety community, like the State of New Hampshire, and are leveraging our expertise to ensure that SDR technology is developed and tailored to address real-world needs."

This new contract will be available to all state agencies, as well as cities, towns, and counties throughout the state of New Hampshire.