Chicomm Blog

In today’s interconnected world, some folks assume that it’s easy to tie together WiFi, video, and two‑way radio communications.

Not quite. 

One of the most satisfying parts of my job at Chicago Communications is helping clients such as health care organizations and school systems create centralized security systems that integrate voice, video surveillance and data analytics.

For these customers, having a centralized command center makes all the difference, allowing them to operate security operations at multiple locations.

This buyer’s guide provides an overview of how different digital two‑way radio communication systems work. While a qualified two‑way radio service provider is an important partner in finding the solution for your team, this guide can get you started with your research.

Simplex — Radio‑to‑Radio

This method describes one radio talking to another radio on the same frequency, on either the 150 MHz or 450 MHz band. 150 MHz works well in open rural areas or suburbs. 450 MHz radio‑to‑radio works well in an urban environment, but its limitations become apparent in antenna height and radio power.

When schools closed their doors to slow the spread of COVID‑19 in March 2020, many teachers and students found themselves scrambling to navigate new online learning platforms, video conferencing calls, and a sudden absence of face‑to‑face interactions. Standard classroom challenges were quickly compounded by technical difficulties, including.

• Unstable internet connections
• Inadequate capacity on the school virtual private network (VPN)
• Cybersecurity threats
• Long call wait times for campus IT support

For more effective communications, many industry leaders are exploring the use of DRM—digital mobile radio—technology to improve operations. By understanding this technology and its benefits, you can have a greater sense of whether it’s a good fit for your organization.

If you’re in the market for communications technologies to improve your operations, two terms you’ll hear frequently are WIFI and CBRS. Here, we look at WIFI vs CBRS, including their definitions, benefits and key differences to provide insights to help you determine which one is a fit for your company or organization.

I can't tell you how many times I’ve heard from a customer, "My police radio system sounds bad," only to find that their radios are not set up correctly.

Not having the right setup and/or not using two-way radios properly will lead to all kinds of performance issues, even if you have the latest emergency communications equipment. This can impact everything from routine conversations to emergency communications and disaster response. Before you call to have your radios or systems serviced, it’s worth the time to try a few troubleshooting tips first.

The simplicity of the solutions here may surprise you, so keep reading for my answer to why your police radio system sounds so bad. Hint: It’s probably not the radios.

It isn’t an overstatement to say that reliable communications in public safety saves lives. We know that departments rely on their radios and accessories to keep themselves and the people they serve safe. And you’re doing it all with fewer resources than ever.

As agencies balance safety and security with budgetary concerns, the right communications solution needs to meet all of their requirements and be economical. Police and firefighters have many of the same issues but different needs, and communications systems need to be tailored to meet their unique situations.

With all of the factors to consider for communications in public safety, here is some insight into how to maintain quality and security on a budget.

Well, the narrowbanding countdown is officially over! January 1, 2013, has finally arrived. For those of you who did not complete the licensing modification or still don't have a license, you are in violation and are operating illegally. For all of us here at Chicago Communications, we will be continuing our campaign to inform you and help you get compliant.