‘Most Robust’ Radio System Still Not Finished

Pennsylvania Secretary of Administration Naomi Wyatt calls the state’s public safety radio system “the most robust radio system in the country,” but admitted last week to a state senate committee there is still 2,300 square-miles not covered by the M/A-COMM system. The committee met to hear an update on the system ahead of a $15.8 million funding proposal for next year’s state budget. The radio system was turned on in 1996 and officials say it now covers 95% of roadways and 94% of other areas in the state. But there are still dead spots in the north, and in-building coverage is still not optimum. Wyatt told the panel that the system was intended to provide interoperability, not to be the main public safety system for all agencies in the state. The system was originally priced at $179 million, but officials say the final price could be at least $368 million.