Rockwell Collins introduces ARINC UrgentLink, the first nationwide network exclusively for disaster communications

On August 17, Cedar Rapids, IA-based Rockwell Collins unveiled ARINC UrgentLink, the first national disaster communications network for public safety that enables first responders, public health, public safety and critical industry officials to communicate with each other when traditional networks are damaged or destroyed. The new solution will be demonstrated for the first time at the Annual Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) 2015 in the Rockwell Collins exhibit booth #2233.

“Natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy have, unfortunately, demonstrated the limitations of the current communications infrastructure,” said Jeff Standerski, senior vice president, Information Management Services for Rockwell Collins. “ARINC UrgentLink is the first network capable of providing reliable communications coverage, even inside the area most directly impacted by the disaster.”

Available as a subscription-based service, the ARINC UrgentLink network uses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed radio frequencies specifically authorized for disasters and Rockwell Collins’ proprietary High Frequency (HF) technology. ARINC UrgentLink radios provide one-touch voice and data connectivity to first responders, hospitals and other critical infrastructure users in the disaster zone, as well as others outside the affected area with access to landline, cell, terrestrial or other communications services.

The new ARINC UrgentLink network removes the limitations that affect the reliability of traditional HF radio point-to-point communications, such as time of day, ionospheric fluctuations, sunspot and frequency selection.  In addition, ARINC UrgentLink does not rely on electric power in the affected area, which often makes traditional communication vulnerable during a disaster.

“The need for reliable communications supporting first responders and other public safety and critical infrastructure personnel during a disaster is clear—without it, the public’s safety is at risk,” notes Standerski. “ARINC UrgentLink is the ultimate ‘backup to the backup’ for disaster communications.”

The ARINC UrgentLink network is currently available in selected regions and is being deployed nationwide.

Source: Rockwell Collins