Michigan Reaches 100,000 Radio Mark on Public Safety Communications Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Michigan Reaches 100,000 Radio Mark on Public Safety Communications Network 

Network growth improves public safety across the state 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), a statewide public safety communications network operated by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, announced they have surpassed 100,000 radios on the state’s radio communication network. The MPSCS growth provides the state’s first responders with reliable communications across all 83 counties to help keep the public safe. 

“We are proud of the fact that Michigan has set the standard as one of the largest and most reliable public safety communication systems in the country,” Governor Whitmer said. “When we work together to invest in the future of our state, we can build great programs, like the MPSCS, that improve communication and response time for police, fire, and EMT as they work to keep everyone safe.” 

The MPSCS provides a stable, secure framework for interoperable emergency communications to almost 1,900 local, state, federal, tribal and private first responders in Michigan. This statewide digital radio communication network spans all 83 counties and includes more than 300 radio towers and now more than 100,000 radios. The partnerships between state and local agencies has made Michigan more prepared to support day-to-day first responder operations. 

“Twenty-four years ago, the system supported just a single state agency,” said Tricia Foster, director of DTMB.”  Today, we represent all facets of public safety. MPSCS’s mission has always been to allow the public safety community to move throughout an area without concern of their ability to communicate with other first responders. With the push of a button, Michigan’s first responders can communicate from the Ohio and Indiana borders to the shores of Lake Superior.” 

In today’s interconnected world, public safety communications cannot operate alone. Michigan utilizes a Motorola-based system and has tested and validated seven major manufacturers of mobile and portable radios for use on the network. The MPSCS has 29 mobile and 35 portable radio models approved for use on the network, giving local agencies options to choose a device that best suits their needs.  

“The MPSCS is quite literally a lifeline for our enforcement members,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “Having one radio system that can provide seamless communication across our state and among our public safety partners is tremendously valuable as we carry out our mission of protecting Michigan’s residents.” 

Beginning in mid-1990s, the state of Michigan made a significant infrastructure investment that has provided statewide public safety radio communications for local, state, federal, tribal and private agencies. While the MPSCS was first designed to serve the Michigan State Police (MSP), the value was far greater to expand to all public safety agencies in the state. 

"The Michigan fire service and public safety officials recognize the need to be innovative, embrace technology and still remain fiscally responsible,” said Greg Janik, Saugatuck Township Fire Chief. “The Michigan Public Safety Communications System 100K radio milestone exemplifies Michigan as a leader in public safety communications and how Michigan continues to meet those needs benefitting Michigan by enhancing communications among public safety peers and maximize taxpayer’s investments for all levels of government." 

For more information on the MPSCS, visit www.michigan.gov/mpscs. 

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