NEWBURY PARK : Rockwell Scientists Win Phone Grant

A group of Rockwell International Corp. scientists based in Newbury Park received a $7-million federal grant to develop more powerful cordless telephones, Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills) announced Tuesday.

The grant, which the scientists will share with a Georgia technology firm, was awarded by the Department of Defense.

The goal of the program is to develop a cordless phone that can be used miles from its base, said Dr. Jai Hakhu, business director of the Micro Technology Center, a division of Rockwell based in Newbury Park.

“When we are finished, this product will have both military and commercial value,” Hakhu said. “It is the kind of program that benefits everyone.”

Perfecting the cordless phone technology could take several years, “but you will start to see results after about a year,” Hakhu said.

Between 10 and 20 scientists and engineers will work on the project in Newbury Park, he said.