NY comptroller advises to scrap $2 billion network

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York State should ditch a $2 billion plan for a statewide wireless network for emergency workers unless a unit of Tyco Electronics Ltd can fix the already delayed system's technology problems, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said on Thursday.

The plan was created to improve communications between emergency first responders such as police and firefighters after the World Trade Center attacks in September 11, 2001.

But the biggest ever New York state technology contract awarded to M/A-COM in 2005, is a year and a half behind schedule and has suffered from technology problems found in an audit of the system, according to Jennifer Freeman a spokeswoman for the comptroller.

"It's very likely this contract is not going to go ahead unless the issues are fixed," said Freeman.

Tyco Electronics said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters that the audit "includes a number of inaccuracies" and said it would "correct any remaining outstanding issues related to the first phase of this program."

A spokesperson for the New York State Office for Technology (OFT), which is expected to decide whether to accept or reject the first phase of the network build-out in two counties by August 29, was not immediately able to comment.

But DiNapoli advised New York should go back to the drawing board unless M/A-COM can fix problems.

"After three rounds of failed testing, it is apparent that this system is not ready to move forward. M/A-COM has not met its contractual obligations and New York can't afford to spend $2 billion on a system that doesn't work right," he said.

"It's time to fish or cut bait. M/A-COM has to deliver what it promised," DiNapoli added.

Tyco Electronics' M/A-COM business said in March it successfully completed coverage testing in the two New York counties that comprise the first region of the network to be built. More recent testing was carried out by the state.

Tyco Electronics was spun off last year from former parent Tyco International Ltd.

The statewide network was expected to be completed and fully operational by July 2010, according to Freeman.

(Reporting by Sinead Carew; Editing by Andre Grenon)