Motorola Solutions and Harris to Benefit from Increased Adoption of P25 Critical Communication Networks in North America

In the last quarter of 2023, various U.S. counties and cities have upgraded their radio communication systems to P25, citing improved interoperability, signal strength, and coverage as key benefits.

Today, Public safety agencies across North America are still increasingly adopting Project 25 (P25), a set of standards for digital radio communications. These standards are designed to facilitate interoperability between different agencies and systems, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. 

The Growing Adoption of P25

In the last quarter of 2023, various counties and cities have upgraded their critical communications radio systems to P25, citing improved interoperability, signal strength, and coverage as key benefits.

Aurora's Compliance with FCC Deadline

For instance, Aurora approved a $15.9 million 10-year contract with L3Harris, bringing the city into compliance with a Federal Communications Commission 2026-27 deadline for transitioning to the P25 communications system. The contract includes new radios for police and fire communications and allows for better communication with other public safety systems.

Prince Edward County's Radio System Upgrade

Prince Edward County identified the Motorola Countywide P25 UHF Phase 2 Trunked Radio System as the best option to unify its emergency services communication. The new system, costing $7.22 million, will be split between Prince Edward, the town of Farmville, Longwood University, and Hampden-Sydney College.

“It’s important that we as responders are heard when we call for help,” said James Redford. He serves as assistant chief for the Prospect Fire Department. “We believe that with the system they have put together and the coverage map, our calls will be heard.”

Granbury's Regional Radio Network

Granbury's new regional radio network, possibly the first of its kind in Texas, allows the Granbury Police Department to connect with several first responders in the area. The network operates on a P25 radio system, enhancing interoperability during major events.

North Branford Enhances Public Safety Communication

The North Branford Police Department in Connecticut activated its cutting-edge radio system integrated with the "Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network" (CLMRN). The new system operates on a 700 MHz and 800 MHz P25 Digital radio platform, significantly increasing interoperability with public safety agencies in neighboring towns and throughout Connecticut.

Chief Kevin Halloran said,

"I want to extend my deepest thanks to Mayor Angeloni and the entire Town Council for their unwavering support of the Police Department. Their commitment has been instrumental in the realization of this project. This new radio system is more than just an upgrade in technology; it's a pivotal enhancement in our capability to ensure public safety. It will allow us to respond more swiftly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring a safer environment for our residents."

Key Features of P25 Radio Systems

When analyzing the above local press releases we noticed that some features were key for the replacement/adoption of these systems. The P25 radio systems come with a range of features designed to enhance emergency response coordination. Some of these features include:

• Interoperability
  P25 allows for seamless communication between different agencies and systems. This promotes effective coordination during emergencies, ensuring swift and efficient responses.
• Strong Signal Strength
  P25 systems are known for their strong signal strength, ensuring clear and reliable communication in multiple locations, including inside large concrete structures.
• Mobile App Integration
  P25 systems can be integrated with mobile apps like L3Harris's BeOn, extending the capabilities of a Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network to smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
• Real-Time Data Visualization
  Some P25 systems, like Granbury’s, are integrated with the Live Earth system — a cloud-based data visualization platform delivering real-time data feeds in a single, simplified view.

The Impact of P25 on Public Safety

The implementation of P25 systems has had a significant impact on public safety, particularly in terms of communication during emergencies. These systems enable swift and effective response to emergencies, ensuring a safer environment for residents. They also foster better coordination among different public safety agencies, which is crucial in times of emergencies.

In conclusion, if you think with the introduction of new disruptive technologies P25 is on its way back, you are wrong. The latest adoption of P25 systems as mentioed above, still today represents a significant stride in the evolution of public safety communications. As more public safety agencies adopt these systems, it will lead to more effective emergency response coordination, ultimately contributing to safer communities.