FAA Transitions to New Telecommunications Network

The FAA has transitioned to a new telecommunications network that it claims will increase network reliability and save hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade.

The FTI (FAA telecommunications infrastructure) network replaces the agency's legacy LINCS (leased interfacility NAS (national airspace system) communications system), which involved upgrading more than 3,800 facilities with 20,000 telecommunications services.

The transition is part of the FAA's plan to move toward an integrated, more cost-effective and reliable telecommunications infrastructure for transmitting voice, data and radar information to the nation's air traffic controllers. It also offers a range of enhanced security services, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and encryption.

The network also provides services to other agencies within the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, the National Weather Service and local and regional airport authorities.

It is one of the agency's largest acquisitions, totaling $2.4 billion.

The Harris Corporation was awarded the FTI contract in July 2002. The contract includes a price management mechanism to ensure that the FAA continues to pay market-competitive rates for the duration of the contract. 04-08-2008.

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