December 6, 2010, Houston: Tait Radio Communications, global leader in providing radio solutions for utilities, will install and service a TaitNet MPT 1327 network for NorthWestern Energy, throughout Montana and parts of South Dakota.

Through a phased migration solution, Tait will supply a trunked UHF 12.5 kHz network worth $3.3 million (U.S.) to replace their wideband VHF conventional network. This staged approach will give network managers full control of the process and cause minimal disruption to NorthWestern radio users.

The first phase comprises 44 trunked sites in Montana and 17 sites in South Dakota connecting via their backhaul network. Each site will have a MPT1327 control channel and the capacity to serve up to 250 mobile or portable radios.

Steve Cragg, president of the Americas at Tait Radio Communications, says, “At Tait we prefer to take a partner approach over a supplier approach with our customers. This approach is imperative for accurately assessing their operational and technical requirements to deliver a tailored solution designed to their needs.”

With more than 660,000 customers, NorthWestern Energy is one of the largest electricity and natural gas suppliers in the North West quadrant of the United States. Their main focus was to select a reliable technology that provides wide coverage throughout mountainous and challenging terrain.

“Tait has a proven track record in delivering high-availability, mission critical communications to utilities organizations and has implemented more than 500 TaitNet MPT installations globally,” concludes Cragg.

About Tait Radio Communications
Tait Radio Communications is a global leader in designing and delivering radio solutions which are the right fit for a variety of industries including; public safety agencies, government services, utilities and urban transport providers. Across the world, users of Tait products and services are better able to protect themselves and the public, be more responsive and more efficient.

While several corporate functions are based in Christchurch, New Zealand, the company prides itself on its international customer base and global support network. The company works with a network of sales/support offices, dealers, system integrators and consultants that spans the globe.