Chicomm Blog

When shopping for communication technology, like two-way radios or security cameras, you have many options for where to purchase. The decision isn’t easy and is a long-term investment in the safety of schools, workplaces, and communities.

ChiComm understands that you’re often working on a tight budget or timeline. Although buying online may save you money and time, it will cost you more in the long run.

When a company grows, its radio equipment needs to grow along with it. Over time, coverage may become spotty, or there simply aren’t enough devices to go around. This likely doesn’t mean the whole system needs an overhaul; instead, it’s a time to reevaluate your radios’ current setup and use, as well as your future goals.

Between stretched budgets and supply chain delays, purchasing the cheapest, most quickly available communications technology you can find is tempting. But when you find unbelievable prices and shipping timelines, there’s probably a reason it seems too good to be true. In many cases, it means you’re receiving old, faulty equipment without any warranty. 

Working with established, reputable suppliers is important whether you’re getting new or aftermarket products. One way to be sure your investment won’t end up costing more in the long run is to purchase authorized Motorola products. Here’s why:

School communication systems have come a long way from backpack notes and early-morning news broadcasts announcing snow days. Parents and caregivers expect to hear from schools quickly and conveniently about everything from their student’s grades to district-wide announcements. 

This is especially true when it comes to safety: families and school employees alike want the most reliable, fast, and intuitive communications solutions to be a core element of their school or district’s emergency response plan. 

To fully appreciate how far two-way radio communication has come, it's fascinating to take a look at where it started. From the initial discovery of “wireless waves” in 1886 to today’s technology that can turn any mobile device or computer into a radio, it’s been a long, winding, and increasingly sophisticated road.

And it all starts with German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, who didn’t think his wireless discovery would go anywhere.

Here's a brief history lesson into the evolution of two-way radios.

It seems like every few days we see some report of a breach in data security, leaving customers’ private and financial information exposed and vulnerable. The biggest one on record so far was the 2013 Yahoo breach that affected 3 billion (!) accounts. Even worse, it took three years for Yahoo to publicly announce the breach.

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.

In Illinois, STARCOM21 pays off in increased public safety. STARCOM21 is a radio system that offers reliable high‑speed mobile connectivity to more than 60,000 subscribers in Illinois. In this blog, we’ll discuss the system in more detail, including a case study of how one police department overcame serious safety issues by fixing coverage problems with their STARCOM21 system.

In a 2006 article in The Clinical Biochemist Reviews, Dr. Enrico Coiera wrote, "Indeed if information is the lifeblood of healthcare then communication systems are the heart that pumps it. Yet, while there is significant discussion of, and investment in, information technologies, communication systems receive much less attention."

Though technology has evolved rapidly since that article was published, healthcare communication systems are just as important as ever. While hospital apps and patient portals improve users' experiences with their healthcare providers, staff‑to‑staff communication is essential to providing top‑notch care in a timely manner.

Below, we review why off‑site communications equipment is necessary and how to find the best equipment for your organization's off‑site communication needs.

Disinfecting Guidelines from Motorola Solutions in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

PRODUCTS: Motorola Solutions Radios, Body-Worn Cameras and Accessories

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Motorola Solutions is providing recommended cleaning and disinfecting
guidelines for their two-way radios, body-worn cameras and accessories based on their current and best understanding of radio hygiene. Per global health authorities, removing germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces lowers the risk of spreading infection. Using chemical disinfectants may kill germs that remain on surfaces after cleaning, which further lowers the risk of spreading infection.