Since this is getting all rehased from previous threads (thought its been awhile since we have had an OpenSky thread)...
MA/COM's OpenSky is currently unmonitorable, and may remain that way. OpenSky is not based on an open standard, such as APCO's -25 standard. MA/COM holds all the keys.
The current battleplan is to allow the NY system to be patched into local systems that will allows access. Where that is not available, radios will be patched into available regional/national mutual aid channels to allow for local interaction (such as ICALL, NLEEF, etc). When this happens, you will be able to hear both sides of the conversations, most likely in the analog mode. At the switch, recoverd digtal audio will be passed along as analog, and vice versa.
As stated above, PA acted as the go between for everything, effectively screwing up everything. It is in service, although not loaded as high as they have hoped. Most SP units are not on yet as well as other state agenices. DOT is the primary voice user and PSP as the primary data user.
I don't recall NY requirnig MA/COM to open up their books for other manufactures to produce products. I would highly doubt MA/COM would have agreed to that, but anything is possible for a 2+ billion dollar contract. The APCO25 stanard sets that as a basis (open source), but OpenSky is not P25 so it doesn't apply. Either way, MA/COM and Motorola where the only two bidders, and MA/COM one. Why would they open up their proprietary works to another manufacture to bid on a contract that they already won?