Photo: Harris CapRock Communications

[Via Satellite 12-05-13] In an effort to optimize Alaskan air control operations, Harris CapRock Communications has been awarded a 10-year, $46 million contract from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue providing satellite services for the Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure (ASTI). The contract includes a two-year base period, with eight one-year options.

Harris CapRock will provide a fully redundant satellite solution using a two-satellite system to ensure dependable connectivity for voice and data. The ASTI program provides highly reliable inter-facility communications to support the FAA’s air traffic control mission between remote and hub facilities in Alaska and other remote locations. Harris CapRock provided similar services to the FAA in Alaska under ASTI’s predecessor program.

The FAA launched ASTI as a next-generation upgrade to the Alaskan National Airspace System Inter-facility Communication System (ANICS). Harris also was selected under a different contract to replace and upgrade ANICS system components that have become obsolete or have been affected by the harsh Alaskan weather, as well as to provide a new network management system, system security enhancements, logistics support and training.

In addition to its work on the ASTI program, Harris is the prime contractor for the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program, which provides critical voice, data and video communications for National Airspace System (NAS) operations and mission support functions.