Lockheed Martin today announced that it has received formal technical acceptance from the City of Garland, Texas, for deployment of the NexGen City(TM) NexLink(TM) wireless broadband communications network. Lockheed Martin Space Operations, the project's prime system integrator, has now successfully completed the contract awarded by Garland in September 2003.

The communications network is made up of more than 500 mobile and fixed wireless devices that cover Garland's 57 square miles. It is the first and geographically largest deployment of mobile mesh-based technology for public safety applications. Garland Police Department's 290 officers are the first to use the system since the network went online in May 2004.

"We're delighted that law enforcement officials are using the NexLink system to increase public safety," said Ken Reightler, president of Lockheed Martin Space Operations.

LMSO will continue to work jointly with NexGen City to take its wireless broadband mobile network technology to other municipalities. By combining LMSO's systems integration expertise with NexGen City's NexLink technology, the team can offer a compelling solution for prospective customers' public safety and citywide communication needs.

NexGen City President Richard Dwelle said, "This team effort with LMSO has been a tremendously positive experience. We look forward to pursuing new opportunities together in the emerging public safety communications market."

About the NexLink Network

NexGen City's mesh-based communications system combines data, Voice over IP (VoIP) calls, and streaming video at broadband connection throughput rates of 1.5 Mbps (with bursts up to 6 Mbps) all while traveling at highway speeds in excess of 100 mph. Unlike conventional cellular or fixed wireless systems with expensive towers and single points of failure, NexLink mobile components and fixed intelligent wireless routers and access gateways are "network nodes" that act as repeaters and routers. This creates a self-forming and self- healing network with ad hoc peer-to-peer networking. With an embedded wireless router in every device, each unit can extend the network, determine optimum paths for data transmission, and provide additional paths for connectivity.

About NexGen City

Formed in 2002, NexGen City develops, manufactures, and markets wireless broadband communications systems for cities' first responders and municipal workers. The company's integrated solutions for high-speed data, voice, streaming video, and geolocation applications include field-tested mobile devices and intelligent wireless infrastructure components. NexGen City's carrier-class Network Operations Center integrates best-of-breed alarm processing, trouble ticketing, network monitoring software applications, and offers a full array of service levels including 24x7x365.

The closely held company is privately funded. Its 45,000-sq.-ft. headquarters is located at 1680 N. Glenville Drive, Suite 100, Richardson, Texas 75081.

Lockheed Martin Space Operations (LMSO) is a high-technology company specializing in space-related support services for primarily government customers that bring low-price, one-stop shopping in the following core competencies: Project Management; Systems Engineering and Integration; Earth, Space, and Life Sciences; Software Development and Information Technology; and On-site Operational Support Services. LMSO's 3,000 employees include engineers, scientists, systems analysts, technicians, and support personnel at eight NASA centers, and other locations across the country.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.

                    For additional information, visit:
                      http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
                        http://www.nexgencity.com/

NexGen City, NexCard, NexLink, and NexPaq are trademarks of NexGen City. Product and brand names used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Any such trademarks or registered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Space Operations