2026 Agenda

Veteran System Administrators and policy planners will offer a first-hand view of their experience with P25 technology. A description of their P25 Systems, architecture, and governance models will be shared with lessons learned to maximize interoperability, performance, and cost-effective communications for their First Responders.
P25 Case Studies:
 State of Michigan Statewide P25 MPSCS system. This Flagship system is now 30 years old and exemplifies broad user acceptance across the state now serving 124,000 radios utilized by more than 2100 agencies.
 US Department of Justice operates a variety of DOJ secure AES encrypted P25 systems that paired with State and Local P25 networks serve numerous Federal law enforcement agencies nationwide.
 State of New Mexico hosts a world-famous Balloon Festival each year in Albuquerque. Learn how P25 serves First Responder interoperability and safety for this massive event.
 Ashville NC: With cellular and other infrastructure down The P25 network was a true lifesaver, allowing the county's rescue workers to communicate and help save lives and property across Ashville NC during Hurricane Helene.
 National Park Service uses P25 as its primary LMR system to ensure ranger safety, coordinate search and rescue, and manage law enforcement and emergency operations in areas with little or no cell coverage. P25 provides secure, reliable communication, emergency alerts, and GPS tracking in the harshest of environments. NPS can interoperate seamlessly with local, state, tribal, and federal partners during wildfires, rescues, and other multi-agency incidents, making them the backbone of park communications.

Takeaway

• How is P25 delivering First Responder interoperability in Michigan, New Mexico, Buncombe County NC and for the US Department of Justice and The National Park Service nationwide?
• How did P25 perform during and after Hurricane Helene in Ashville and for the massive region wide Balloon Festival in Albuquerque?
• What interoperability is available between Federal Agencies and State and Local governments for P25 AES secure channels in the real world?
• What P25 Issues have been resolved and lessons learned from these unique P25 System Case Studies?