DURHAM, N.H. - Network New Hampshire Now (NNHN) has awarded a contract to NH-based Green Mountain Communications Inc. to construct NHSafeNet, a wireless public safety microwave network  that will improve the communications, efficiency and emergency readiness of state and local agencies.

NHSafeNet, one of four primary broadband projects being implemented under NNHN, will construct a single high-speed statewide broadband microwave network. This project is a collaboration of the Department of Safety, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), N.H. National Guard, and New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV). The project combines the stakeholders' parallel networks into a single shared network that will save taxpayers money by lowering support and equipment costs. The network is being consolidated on existing sites and will free up tower space for commercial providers of mobile and wireless broadband services to co-locate facilities and expand coverage, potentially generating revenue for the state.

Pembroke, N.H.-based Green Mountain Communications will improve and consolidate the statewide point- to-point microwave network that now exists on 21 N.H. mountaintop sites. When complete, it will provide increased broadband functionality and bandwidth for the State Police, sheriff's offices, Fish and Game offices, forest ranger offices, Bureau of Trails, and the state's National Guard units. The network will be used for Amber Alerts, DOT's Intelligent Transportation System, the public safety network and natural disaster warnings. Once the network is complete, data transmissions can be more detailed and sent digitally across the state and to neighboring states via connections to the Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts microwave networks.

NHPTV will implement digital television (DTV) datacasting as part of this project. Datacasting is a new technology that allows NHPTV to embed data into its statewide television signal and then deliver the encrypted public safety information to moving vehicles, traffic signs, and emergency operations centers.

"The project saves the state money while bringing a much needed upgrade to a significant portion of the state's 15-year-old public safety networks," said Scott Valcourt, director of strategic technology and principal investigator of NNHN. "The network will improve safety and communications for New Hampshire citizens. Network New Hampshire Now, an organization bringing high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved parts of the state, selected Green Mountain Communications in a highly competitive bidding review due to its outstanding engineering and construction capacity, its deep experience working with state organizations, and its attention to detail."

Construction will begin this fall and will be completed by June 2013.

Victor Drouin, president of Green Mountain Communications, added "New Hampshire is one of the first states to integrate multiple agencies into a single shared network, which when completed will provide cost efficiencies for the stakeholders. The NHSafeNet wireless microwave network will incorporate advanced technologies important for the future of New Hampshire."

About Network New Hampshire Now
Network New Hampshire Now (NNHN) is a collaboration of public and private organizations, led by the University of New Hampshire, to develop a high-speed broadband network throughout the state, including fiber optic networks in all 10 counties of the state, fiber optic networks in the limited access Right of Way of I-93, a microwave wireless network for public safety and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) in Rindge and Enfield. Funded by an economic stimulus grant and private funding, the organization is expanding broadband coverage to keep the state vibrant, innovative and relevant for businesses, citizens and educational institutions. For more information, visit http://networknhnow.org/.

About Green Mountain Communications
Green Mountain Communications, one of America's safest companies, delivers premier technology and wireless solutions to clients across sectors. Driven by the long term vision of talented and accomplished staff, Green Mountain Communications offers a deep understanding and seamless integration of the industry's most advanced equipment and the flexibility to provide superior turnkey wireless solutions to every client with precision and efficiency. Green Mountain Communications maintains industry focus in education, construction, healthcare, hospitality, petrochemical, property management, government, transportation, wireless, and utilities industries in New England and the U.S.

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