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Chicomm Blog

In these inflationary times, everyone has to keep an eye on budget costs. 

But when it comes to communications needs, it’s both wise and cost-effective to consider the added services and benefits offered by your communication technology partner. 

What are some of those added services and benefits?

Tags: Chicago Communications, Wireless Communication, Customer Service, Maintenance/Installation/Service

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Supply Chain Issues

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, October 26, 2021

As you are likely aware, there have been significant delays in the delivery of many types of products over the past year and most experts predict that these delays will, unfortunately, extend well into 2022, and even 2023.  We, therefore, wanted to give you an update on the supply chain issues we are experiencing with Motorola Solutions and other vendor products, as we know many of you currently have open orders with us.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Motorola Solutions

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If there’s one thing that can stop productivity and efficiency in its tracks, it’s equipment failure. When your team cannot stay connected using devices like two‑way radios, it affects everyone’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to issues that arise.

Just like Captain says to Lucas (Paul Newman) in Cool Hand Luke, “What we've got here is failure to communicate.” 

Unfortunately, it’s not just something that happens on screen. Communication failures that stem from equipment failures are common. At least in the movies, there’s almost always a happy ending. Check out these seven examples of communication mishaps in movies where equipment failure mattered.

Tags: Chicago Communications

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Imagine that your business has decided to use two-way radio communication to keep connected while on site or in the field, but no one has ever used one. Employees may voice their unease with the devices, or even worse, avoid using them altogether. They may not understand the importance of two- way radios as a safety tool for them and end up hurt.

Your investment is well spent only if the radios are used and used properly. If your team isn’t trained, they won’t use the equipment. If they aren’t comfortable using the equipment, the system you put in place won’t work the way it’s designed because employees won’t know how. This creates safety issues and increases risk. That’s why proper training and efficient interdepartmental communication is crucial to your success.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications

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Sales Team Profile: Jim Byrne

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, July 23, 2019

A Sales Account Executive with Chicago Communications, Jim Byrne says that while the company’s focus may be technology and equipment, his favorite aspect of working at ChiComm is the human component.

“The people here are friendly and welcoming,” he says. “And they care, not just about customers, but about each other. We’re a family.”

Tags: Chicago Communications, Employee Spotlight

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While Chicago Communications, LLC, was formed on October 1, 2004, our rich history of expertise and service to the Chicagoland area goes back much further—starting with two-way radios and evolving over time to extensive communications solutions across multiple industries.

Tags: Chicago Communications, History

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Sales Team Profile: Brad Hessler

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Meet Brad Hessler.

He’s a sales account executive at Chicago Communications who specializes in telecommunication, video surveillance, and wireless network solutions for commercial markets.

In his role, he helps businesses identify their communications and security needs and connects them with solutions specific to their operations and business goals.

Tags: Chicago Communications

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Captain George Rabiela has retired from the Chicago Fire Department, but he and his companion Brady the Fire Dog are still having a positive impact on people’s lives.

ChiComm has been fortunate to volunteer alongside Captain George at the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 Toy Parades, and we recently donated a lightbar to his efforts to help others.

We’re thrilled to introduce you to two of our favorite partners and tell you about their inspiring work.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Public Safety Communications

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Ten codes, also known as 10 codes, are an important and enduring element of radio lingo, much like the main phonetic alphabetpolice phonetic alphabet, and other radio-specific terms. Thanks to popular culture, even people who don’t use two-way radios are familiar with codes such as “10-4,” meaning “affirmative." (If you've ever visited our offices, you've likely heard these terms in use, particularly if you overheard a conversation with Shop Supervisor Emory Ludtke

Despite their pervasiveness in multiple industries and law enforcement, codes and other lingo are fading among certain radio users, leading some to wonder: Are ten codes a thing of the past for public safety? Let's take a look whether that's true, and why or why not.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Public Safety Communications, Interoperability

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As wireless communication solutions are constantly evolving, it’s a challenge to keep up with the latest and greatest devices and functionality. While it would be impossible to keep up with every update or product that’s made available, it is worthwhile to conduct an occasional appraisal of your existing systems -- and your current challenges -- to see if a boost, replacement or new investment makes sense. 

To help with your once-over of your equipment, systems and challenges, here are five core wireless communication solutions to keep in mind that you may need to deploy, upgrade or replace. (Bonus: Check out our latest video, below, to find out how Chicago Communications helps companies and agencies meet their comprehensive communications needs.)

Tags: Two Way Radios, Chicago Communications, Public Safety Communications, Bi-Directional Amplifiers, Maintenance/Installation/Service, Wireless Networking

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