Harris Signs Contract with Chilean Government for Longest Wireless Network

Melbourne, FL-based Harris Corp. and Raylex S.A., Harris' representative in Chile, have signed a contract valued at USD$11 million with the Chilean government. The contract includes the complete supply and build-out of one of the world's largest microwave networks. The network will cover 4,500 km, interconnecting phone services, data, videoconferencing, and other multimedia services. Extending from Arica in northern Chile to Puerto Montt in the southern part of the country, the network is expected to benefit both cities' metropolitan regions, as well as all major cities between.

MicroStar radios, one of Harris Canada's products in the 7 GHz frequency band, will be used to construct the network. Due to the complexity of the topographical and climatic conditions of the country, Harris and Raylex undertook studies to identify the best engineering solution. Before setting up the network, they performed land and civil works surveys, engineering studies, and testing of towers, antennas, system alarms, solar and stationary batteries, training, and supervision. Both companies will provide wireless engineering solutions to integrate more than 120 connections of various distances and with diverse geographic conditions within the network.

Harris' Microwave Communications Division, one of five divisions within Harris Corp. is one of the largest suppliers of microwave and wireless local loop systems in North America. The division delivers wireless solutions to service providers of all types, including public network operators; fixed wireless operators; transportation companies; state, local, and federal agencies; and power utilities. Its product line covers frequency bands up to 40 GHz for synchronous and asynchronous applications that comply with international and North American standards.

Edited by Ellen Jensen