LOVELAND, Colo.-Larimer County, Colo., will be the first in the country to use Motorola Inc.’s Astro SmartZone digital radio communications system, said Motorola.
Motorola will install, manage and operate the Astro SmartZone system, and each participating organization will pay a fee based on the number of mobile and portable radios used on the wireless system.
“The need for a common communications system became apparent during a flood on July 28, 1997, that required coordinated responses from several agencies in the area. Commanders at multiple locations could not communicate effectively with each other,” said Capt. John Walker of the Loveland Police Department.
Radio users will share the communications system’s infrastructure, but each agency will have its own private communications system, said Motorola. However, in emergencies those agencies will be able to communicate with each other. The five-site Astro system initially will have some 600 radios and will provide coverage for the eastern half of Larimer County. The new system is being installed and is scheduled to be completed in August.
