ChiComm Blog

License Plate Recognition (LPR): What Public Safety & Facilities Need to Know

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

License Plate Recognition (LPR) has become an increasingly common tool for public safety agencies and organizations looking to improve situational awareness and post-incident review.

When used appropriately, LPR can help teams identify vehicle activity associated with incidents, support investigations, and enhance response efforts.

At the same time, many organizations are unsure when LPR makes sense, how it fits into existing video systems, and what policies are needed to use it responsibly. Below, we break down what LPR is, how it’s commonly used, and what to consider before implementing it.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Technology, Video Surveillance

Why Do I Need an FCC License for My Two‑Way Radio?

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Two‑way radios are a dependable way to keep people connected, especially when communication needs to be instant and reliable. Because radio spectrum is regulated, some two-way radios require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license to operate legally, while others can be used without an individual license when operated under specific rules.

This guide explains when an FCC license is required, when it is not, how to identify what you are using, and what it means to be FCC-compliant.

Tags: Two Way Radios, FCC

Chris Young Named Illinois APCO 2025 Technician of the Year

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Monday, December 15, 2025

Chicago Communications is proud to share that Chris Young, System Integrator based out of our Elmhurst, Illinois office, has been named 2025 Technician of the Year by the Illinois Chapter of APCO.

Chris received the award at this year’s Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association (IPSTA) Conference, co-sponsored by Illinois APCO and the Illinois NENA (INENA) chapter. The honor reflects his technical skill, leadership, and long-standing commitment to public safety communications across the region.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Employee Spotlight, Customer Service

Two-Way Radio & Safety Tech in 2026: Improving Reliability and Coverage

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Monday, December 8, 2025

Budgets are tight, so the goal is simple: use the right technologies (and the right upgrades) to improve reliability, coverage, and interoperability.

Let’s walk through what delivers the most value in 2026 and how to match each option to the problems you actually need to solve.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Motorola Solutions, Wireless Communication, Radio System, Technology, Safety Solutions, Product Spotlight

Battery Care Tips for Motorola Two-Way Radios

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Reliable batteries keep your team talking. The fastest way to extend Motorola two-way radio battery life is to use Motorola-approved chargers, follow a steady daily charge routine, store spares correctly, and replace aging packs before capacity drops.

This guide provides clear steps to reduce downtime and help your batteries last longer, based on our extensive service experience.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Motorola Solutions, Two Way Radio Accessories, Maintenance/Installation/Service

Solving Poor In-Building Wireless Connectivity: Causes and Solutions

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Reliable in-building wireless communication is essential for safety and efficiency. Whether it is public safety teams coordinating during emergencies, hospital staff relying on instant communication, or employees depending on WiFi for daily operations, strong connectivity keeps people and systems working together.

Many facilities continue to experience dead zones, dropped calls, or unreliable radio coverage within their buildings. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and the good news is that there are proven ways to fix it.

At Chicago Communications, we’re here to help you understand why these problems happen and how to solve them for good.

This guide explains why wireless coverage fails indoors and the solutions that restore clear, consistent communication across your building or campus.

Tags: Wireless Communication, Technology, Bi-Directional Amplifiers, Distributed Antenna System

Understanding Two-Way Radio Systems: Types and Uses

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, October 8, 2025

When communication matters, two-way radio systems keep teams connected instantly and reliably. Whether you’re coordinating staff in a school, directing crews in the field, or managing public safety operations, two-way radios offer dependable coverage where cell service can’t.

This guide explains what a two-way radio system is, the main types available, and how to choose the right setup for your organization.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Radio System

Essential Police Communication Technology for 2025: Radios, Cameras, and Dispatch

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Thursday, September 25, 2025

Police work depends on communication that is fast, reliable, and ready for emergencies. In 2025, the essentials are two-way radios, body-worn cameras, and modern 911 and dispatch technology. Together, these tools keep officers connected to dispatch, to each other, and to the community.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Technology

Employee Spotlight: Chris Kulnig

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The reliable systems our customers depend on start with people who sweat the details. Meet Chris Kulnig, a member of our installation team who brings plans to life, transforming them into working equipment you can count on.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Employee Spotlight

Two-Way Radio Repair Services: Keeping Your Team Connected

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Two-way radios are built for reliability, but like any essential technology, they sometimes need repair. For public safety agencies, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses, a radio failure can disrupt operations and compromise safety.

The good news? A malfunction doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement.

Repairs are often the faster, more cost-effective way to extend the life of your equipment and keep your team talking. At Chicago Communications, we specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining Motorola radios with certified expertise you can trust.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Two Way Radio Accessories, Technology, Customer Service, Digital Two-Way Radios, Maintenance/Installation/Service