Harris wins FAA contract to provide satellite services for ASTI

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a contract to Harris CapRock Communications, a provider of fully managed communications for remote and harsh environments, to continue providing satellite services for the Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure (ASTI).

Under the 10-year $46m contract, which includes a two-year base period and 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 programme aims to support the FAA’s air traffic control mission between remote and hub facilities in Alaska and other remote locations by providing highly reliable interfacility communications.

Harris CapRock government solutions president David Cavossa said, "We bring the stability, resources, expertise and technologies required to support the Alaskan aviation community and the FAA."

The ASTI was launched by the FAA as a next-generation upgrade to the Alaskan National Airspace System Interfacility Communication System (ANICS).

Harris also serves as a prime contractor for the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) programme, which provides NAS operations and mission support functions with critical voice, data and video communications.