Multi User Public Safety Communications System
Multi-User Public Safety Communications System 800 MHz Digital Trunked Radio System
It is the intent of the Commonwealth to implement a Multi-User Public Safety Communications System based on 800 MHz digital trunked radio technology as a major component of the statewide communications network infrastructure to help insure the public safety of all Kentuckians. This system is to provide integrated wireless communications for use by state and local government public safety related agencies. Such agencies range from Kentucky's State Police, Transportation Cabinet and Disaster and Emergency Services to the local fire or sheriff departments and school board operations for pupil transportation (school buses).
The Commonwealth's vision is based on the sharing of this information / communications infrastructure resource by public safety agencies operated through the state and local governments. This includes the establishment of this digital interactive two-way radio network system to allow immediate voice, data and image communications within and among public safety agencies in the Commonwealth. It is also intended that this system will be Kentucky's link to the National Law Enforcement Public Safety Network being developed by the federal government.
Agency leaders in the Commonwealth envision the 800 MHz system as a life support system. It will result in reduced response times through enhanced coordination for medical emergencies, fires, auto accidents, chemical stockpile leakages, blizzards/floods, and law enforcement conditions in hostage situations. Fully implemented, it literally can and will save lives by ensuring communications coordination and full statewide radio coverage. The 800 MHz trunked radio system is deemed an essential component of the communications infrastructure to assure the Commonwealth's future stability and competitiveness in the 21st century.
The Communications Advisory Council, Kentucky's communications strategic planning advisory council, established a subcommittee on 800 MHz trunked radio to make recommendations about the future of radio communications in the Commonwealth. The committee identified the following needs for such an integrated system through thorough review and analysis of the current radio environment and the many advantages of the emerging 800 MHz trunked radio technology: Antiquated radio systems currently operated are in need of replacement;
Enhanced Public Safety Communication (statewide integrated communications, mobile data terminals, user identification, etc.); Projected new users and needs; Economy of scale resources for state and local governments; and KY's response to the National Law Enforcement/Public Safety Network.
In 1996, the Communications Advisory Council in conjunction with the Kentucky Information Resources Management Commission strongly recommended the implementation of a statewide 800 MHz trunked radio system to the Governor and Secretary of Finance. Such recommendations for the deployment of state-of-the-art wireless communications technology for Kentucky's advent into the 21st century were favorably received.
Kentucky's 800 MHz trunked radio system is to provide statewide coverage capabilities along with the many advantages enabled by this communications technology. The magnitude of this project is well recognized and creates the need for well defined implementation strategies. Its implementation is based on the immediate establishment of the statewide 800 MHz transmission infrastructure and the operation of prioritized public safety agencies (e.g., Kentucky State Police and Disaster and Emergency Services) with the goal of operating the projected 30,000 communications units to meet the state and local needs. This system is also to be interfaced with Kentucky's Information Highway to allow maximum operational and user efficiencies. This statewide system is to be operated and maintained on a centralized basis by a state agency with policy guidance from a Communications Advisory Council subcommittee/advisory board.
The Commonwealth recognizes that interactive two-way radio communications is an essential element for public safety related agencies providing services to Kentucky citizens. In summary, the implementation of an 800 Digital Trunked Radio Statewide System would provide the following benefits: Sufficient channels to meet present and future needs; Ability for expansion; Interconnectivity with 911; Economies of scale radio resources for small user agencies & local governments; A common statewide radio system; Statewide coverage; Digital capability; Compliance with the National Public Safety Network
In September 1997, a business case for a Multi-User Public Safety Communications System was completed under the leadership of the Department of Information Systems.
For more information, contact: David Ballard, Co-Chair Director of Network Services Department of Information Systems (502) 564-8703 Internet: dballard@mail.state.ky.usBob Ball, Co-Chair Wireless Committee, Communications Advisory Council Kentucky Educational Television (606) 258-7160 Internet: rball@ket.org Last Revised: 6/2/98
Source - www.state.ky.us/kirm/800mhz.htm