Interoperability in Action – Connecting LMR and LTE Across the Southeast
From local police departments to statewide emergency agencies and utility providers, organizations across the Southeast are increasingly turning to Southern Linc for mission-critical voice and data communications. Today, through expanded land mobile radio (LMR) and LTE interoperability, these organizations are achieving seamless connectivity across jurisdictions and industries.
Working in partnership with Catalyst Communications Technologies and L3Harris, Southern Linc has advanced the deployment of solutions that unify LMR and LTE networks. This effort allows public safety and utility teams to extend existing investments in LMR while benefiting from the resilience and flexibility of LTE.
“We’ve deployed citywide, countywide and statewide,” said David Keith, Director of Sales and Marketing at Southern Linc. “Now you’ve got interoperability not just from state to local, but even between states.”
Bridging Critical Networks
Two core technologies underpin this interoperability: Catalyst IntelliLink™, a Windows-based software platform that manages interoperable talk groups, and L3Harris radios that integrate LMR and LTE directly into the handset.
“You can have interoperable communications and manage entire talk groups through Catalyst,” explained Keith. “And the L3Harris devices have interoperability built right into the handset.”
From Backup to Primary Network
Southern Linc’s LTE network has transitioned from serving as a backup system to becoming the primary communications platform for numerous state and local entities. In Georgia, agencies such as GEMA, the Georgia State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Forestry Commission rely on Southern Linc for interoperability.
Utilities have also embraced the technology. “We’ve bridged into the utility market, too,” Keith added. “Companies like Georgia Systems Operations, Oglethorpe Power, and a number of EMCs are using our solutions to prepare for storm season and beyond.”
A Unique Market Position
What sets Southern Linc apart is its distinction as the only U.S. carrier offering mil-spec, LMR-type products on a commercial LTE network. This unique position provides customers with ruggedized devices, dependable connectivity, and nationwide roaming through partner networks—at a significantly lower cost than building dedicated systems.
“We’re a small carrier in the Southeast but we’re a very good option when it comes to a hardened, mission critical network that must work in the worst of times,” said Keith. “We’re focused on small to medium-sized businesses–and they’re realizing we have a lot more breadth than they expected.”
Through its partnerships and technology leadership, Southern Linc continues to redefine interoperability, ensuring that public safety agencies, utilities, and enterprises have the communications they need when it matters most.
