In 1995, the State Building Authority issued bonds to the MPSCS for a large portion of its start-up costs, such as infrastructure construction and design. In order to maintain the bonds' underwriting, the State of Michigan decided to place multiple restrictions on the MPSCS' tower use.

            Upon each tower, a limited amount of space is available for communications infrastructure, such as radio antennas, microwave dishes, etc. With each tower being worth over $1 million, that space is very valuable… not only to the MPSCS, but to public safety, commercial users, and amateur radio operators.

            Recently, many individuals have contacted MPSCS personnel about the multiple uses of the system's 231 towers. In MPSCS policy 4.1.7 MPSCS Member and Non-Member Co-Location Procedure, there are clearly stated guidelines that manage tower usage.

            All MPSCS towers are for public safety purposes only. If persons and agencies outside of the public safety realm wish to place equipment upon an MPSCS tower, qualified officials must provide written documentation, proving that the requestor is capable of providing a service to public safety. In addition, a degree of interoperability with the MPSCS must be established and maintained throughout the duration of tower use. All equipment must also abide by MPSCS standards. In total, sixteen requirements exist that must be met before a co-location is considered.

            To find out more about Co-Locating with the MPSCS, view the above-mentioned form or contact the MPSCS' Co-Location manager, Buzz Leach, by email at LeachG@michigan.gov or by telephone at (517) 333-5004.

            The State of Michigan does offer leased space on many of its other towers. Joy Tiemeyer, Project Director for SBA Network Services, has information on these towers and others. She can be reached by email at jtiemeyer@sbasite.com, or by telephone at (517) 622-8448.