Missouri Counties Deploy P25 VHF Simulcast Network with Tait Communications Equipment

HOUSTON, Texas September 21, 2026 

Forward Thinking Network Design and Spectrum Access Ensures 95% Coverage 

Tait Communications, a global leading supplier of critical communications solutions, completed an $8.5 million VHF simulcast Project 25 (P25) network upgrade to modernize emergency communications in St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties in Missouri. The delivered network exceeds the 95% total coverage required by the counties.

An effort to modernize emergency services in St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties began in 2021 and culminated with the launch of the new system in May 2026 following a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process. RFCC Communications Consulting helped guide the project, and A&W Communications contributed to equipment delivery and service.

Tait Communications won the RFP and began the project with a thorough network design and spectrum assessment. Tait Communications engineers worked closely with county officials and RFCC engineers to design the network, develop new sites and upgrade existing towers. The team also worked diligently on spectrum planning, which is the most critical step in designing a VHF system that will be reliable and provide the required coverage during both daily communications and emergencies.

The new system is capable of both analog and P25 digital operation. The simulcast network serves more than 30 public safety agencies in the two counties and was funded through county revenues.

“All our agencies had a voice in the decision, and it was within our financial objectives,” said Alan Wells, St. Francois County 911 Director. “We had to do some design studies and come up with new frequencies to make it work. We are extremely happy with the network and with the work that Tait did.”

The two counties, located in eastern Missouri south of St. Louis, have diverse terrain, including low areas along the Mississippi River, the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, and the highest point in the state. Field testing verified that both counties achieved more than 95% reliability for mobile and outdoor portable coverage. More than 2,300 grid locations were tested and produced hundreds of thousands of data points.

“The first responders in St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties now have a reliable, resilient public-safety communications network,” said Kevin Sumrell, president of Tait North America. “Tait Communications is enthusiastic about helping public safety agencies deploy interoperable, standards-based mission-critical networks with the coverage and features best suited to their needs.”