Supervisors authorize RFP to replace emergency radio system

San Diego County’s conventional radio system used for emergencies will soon be replaced.

A 5-0 San Diego County Board of Supervisors vote April 3 authorized the issuance of a request for proposals to replace the system. The county will use its 2012-13 Fire Mitigation Fund for the estimated $5.9 million cost.

The county also has a Regional Communications System for emergency communications, and the conventional radio system complements the RCS by providing a common communications platform.

The radio system also has voice communications capability which can be utilized if the RCS is unable to transmit in a specific area due to terrain or coverage obstacles.

The current conventional radio system is obsolete, is reaching the end of its lifecycle, and will not be able to migrate to a next-generation platform, so the county opted to replace the system.

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