2027 Agenda
Network Design and Spectrum Planning for Mission-Critical Success
In 2021, two neighboring Missouri counties moved forward with an LMR system upgrade to ensure safer and more reliable communications for first responders in both counties. St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties released a competitive request for proposals (RFP), working with a consultant. Once a vendor was selected, the consultant and county officials worked closely with the vendor to ensure a strong network design plan was in place, along with a plan to secure all necessary frequencies for the new system. The team worked diligently on spectrum planning, which is the most critical step in designing a VHF system that will be reliable and provide the required coverage during both daily communications and emergencies. The VHF P25 and analog network went live in 2026, with system users noting the improvement in coverage and resiliency of the new network, which offers 95% coverage throughout both counties. In this session, get a comprehensive update on the processes and results.
Takeaway
During the session, the audience will learn the following:
• The importance of working with network design engineers to establish coverage and spectrum requirements
• Details on how county officials worked closely with a consultant, the selected vendor, and a local channel partner to build the VHF network to achieve the county's requirements
• How to establish a plan for field system testing to verify coverage and reliability for first responders