The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has chosen critical infrastructure solutions company Rohde & Schwarz to replace the analogue communication infrastructure with the field-proven CERTIUM Voice Communication System for airports and air traffic control facilities in the United States.
The contract, worth USD 4.9 billion, will involve the company installing new digital voice switches as part of the FAA’s Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative which modernises the infrastructure while ensuring the safety and reliability of air traffic control operations in the U.S. National Airspace System.
Rohde & Schwarz USA says the company is deploying its field proven CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) compliant to the latest ED-137 standard across the United States. The first system was deployed and went live in September 2025 at Allegheny County Airport (AGC) near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the first modern voice-over-IP VCS in the NAS under this contract.
“Rohde & Schwarz USA is proud to work with the FAA on this important project to modernise the air traffic control communication systems in the U.S. airspace,” Frank Dunn, President & CEO, Rohde & Schwarz USA said.
“It’s important we use this opportunity to reestablish U.S. expertise in ATC voice communication systems. With this programme we are creating over 200 additional highly skilled jobs, elevating Rohde & Schwarz USA’s total workforce to over 1,000 members. In addition, we are expanding and investing in new facilities to add manufacturing capacity in America.”
