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Chicomm Blog

Motorola Mobile Radios Boost County Public Safety System

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Thursday, March 24, 2016

Calvert County in southern Maryland has a dubious distinction: Its five-site, five-channel analog 800 megahertz (MHz) public safety system isbnr_mobileradios_340x279.jpg the oldest of its kind in the entire state.

Constructed in the mid-1990s, the system no longer meets the needs of the public safety agencies that serve the county’s growing population of more than 90,000 people.

Officials knew they needed a state-of-the-art solution that would provide unparalleled reliability, interoperability and efficiency – both now and into the future.

'21st Century Solution'

After a months-long bidding process, the county selected Motorola Solutions with a $21.4 million contract for a new 800 MHz digital communications system. It’s a major investment that county leaders have said brings them into the 21st century.

“This is the largest single contract Calvert County Government has ever awarded,” said Calvert County Commissioner President Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. It “provides the required level of safety and service our citizens and our first responders deserve.”

The new system will replace the existing five towers and add radio technology in five additional locations. First responders will receive 1,100 new Motorola mobile radios. Tower construction will start this summer and is set to be complete by December 2017.

“Another key component is that Calvert County will maintain full control of the entire system, including the new towers and radios as opposed to the leasing arrangement we have now,” said Jackie Vaughan, who is Calvert County’s Director of Public Safety.

The 10-site, 10-channel Motorola P25 FDMA/TDMA digital system will have voice encryption and a new VHF Fire Voice Paging Subsystem.

Motorola Mobile Radios Chosen for Public Safety Fit

Calvert County officials have said they chose Motorola mobile radios for many of the same reasons as other public safety agencies:

  • Reliable radio communications between the 911 Center and emergency responders during times when commercial-grade devices and services such as cell phones are unreliable;
  • Digital radios are the most efficient way to ensure instant communications between hundreds of first responders;
  • Other state, county and federal authorities who may assist during a disaster or large-scale emergency will be able to communicate immediately and directly with Calvert County emergency personnel;
  • Radios provide GPS mapping functionality with automatic location of emergency personnel;
  • Radios also enhance safety with features such as the “man down” alert.

The Calvert County radio system comes with a 20-year maintenance and lifecycle plan to ensure its continued usability. There is also ample channel capacity to keep pace with future growth.

To meet your needs for state-of-the-art public safety communications, contact Chicago Communications today! 

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