Maryland’s deployment process for their statewide public safety communications system, First Responders Interoperable Radio System Team (FiRST), began in 2010. The 700MHz LMR P25 system serves state agencies and local first responders who want to join, with over 62,000 current users at all levels of government. Upon completion, it will consist of over 240 radio sites with a 95% coverage goal.

Some of the unique challenges for coverage testing included the Chesapeake Bay area as well as up to 10 miles out from the coastline. This has allowed interoperability partnerships with the Coast Guard as well. For in-building coverage, they have installed BDAs or partnered with private entities for installation of BDAs to enhance coverage.

The deployment schedule began in 2012 for Phase 1 along the I-95 corridor, Phase 2 for the Eastern shore, Phase 3 for the remainder of the Central and Northern part of the state, and Phase 4 for Western MD, with Phase 5 anticipated for completion in 2020.

Key successes include establishing a set of common talkgroups to provide interoperability for all users on the system. Agencies can access the system as primary users or interop partners. Developing partnerships and relationships with adjoining agencies also allows the system to leverage existing radio infrastructure to combine many systems into one statewide system. This saves counties millions of dollars in maintenance fees for operating individual systems.

A few of the lessons learned: know your equipment and infrastructure inventories, clearly outline user requirements and agreements, don’t underestimate the number of users you will add to the system and how you will plan for and allow expansion, and document everything. Funding should be secured before going to bid, and ensure it includes maintenance contracts as well as consideration for end of life equipment replacement.

Covered by Christine Massengale