County of Los Angeles Fire Department, CA, USA

The Department partnered with RadioMobile, a provider of mobile data communications technology to Fire and EMS departments and a Tait Communications partner to devise a solution. RadioMobile proposed the creation of a private LMR-based mobile data network combining several RadioMobile and Tait technologies.

RadioMobile
The proposed solution would ensure coverage well beyond commercial broadband by automatically switching between LMR and LTE depending on network availability and speed. In addition, the network would be closed to outside threats placing security under greater control. Finally, because the Department was no longer dependent solely on commercial broadband, the network would have an overall lower cost-of-ownership.

“We chose RadioMobile based on the strength of their technology and their ability to understand the Department’s very specific needs,” according to England. “Also, we had heard about the remarkable things they had done for the Los Angeles (city) Fire Department and CAL FIRE, so we knew they could deliver on their promises.”

As a result of the deployment of its LMR-based mobile data network, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department stands better prepared to protect the lives and property of its residents and visitors than ever before. The network provides a layer of redundancy when commercial broadband is unavailable or compromised as is often the case in natural disasters. And because the network supports data communications, the Department can share vital details such as map locations, pre-plans, dispatch details, and more. Plus, the Department now has greater control over the cost and security of its emergency communications and infrastructure.

Future plans call for the integration of the Department’s network into the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS). LA-RICS will utilize 22 towers and LMR technology like that deployed for the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to create a unified web of communication, eliminate barriers to multi-jurisdictional responses and allow police, firefighters, and paramedics to communicate directly with users outside of their agency.

“The mobile data network helps us deliver on our mission to protect lives, the environment, and property of those we serve by keeping everyone informed and connected,” says England. “We look forward to the time when the entire region can share live-saving data and information as easily.”