RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 28, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wisconsin State Patrol recently began testing Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) JPS Communications Project 25 (P25) channel controller.

Developed by Etherstack, the P25 channel controller converts analog radio channels to P25 digital channels allowing users to economically replace conventional analog communication systems with the modernized P25 digital system. The device was first released in November 2006.

"Many public safety agencies lack the monetary resources required to upgrade from analog to digital," said John Verhyen, chief engineer for the Wisconsin State Patrol. "We were particularly interested in beta testing this device because not only does it have the potential to aid our agency, but it could also save the public safety industry money as it does not require replacement of existing equipment to upgrade."

"Public safety agencies can phase the P25 channel controller into their current communication system, channel-by-channel, as time and funding permit," said Keith McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing for Raytheon JPS Communications. "Now, agencies have a straightforward method to gain the advanced features and benefits of a P25 radio system economically."

The P25 channel controller was installed in Fond du Lac, Wis., in mid- December. Since then, the Wisconsin State Patrol has connected three analog conventional base stations to the unit for upgrading.

"We are in the initial phases of the testing and are very pleased with the results thus far," Verhyen added. "We are working to prepare a timeline for future phases of the testing and operation of the P25 controller."

Raytheon JPS Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company, designs, manufactures and sells electronic hardware and software products that enhance the effectiveness of communications systems.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs more than 80,000 people worldwide.

Etherstack is a wireless software and hardware technology licensing company and leader in interoperable technology for digital radio systems around the world including APCO P25, TETRA, DMR and SDR (mobiles, base stations and networks). Our headquarters is out of London with engineering offices in London, Sydney, Yokohama, Barcelona and two upcoming offices in the United States.

   Contact:
   Katie McWilliams
   919.865.1036

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Katie McWilliams of Raytheon Company, +1-919-865-1036

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/