Vigo County Launches State's Largest Radio System Expansion Since 2019
In a monumental step for public safety communications, Vigo County has begun a significant upgrade to its emergency response infrastructure, marking Indiana’s largest radio system expansion since 2019. The state’s first responders are set to benefit from enhanced coverage and improved communication through a new three-year agreement with the Indiana Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC).
As part of this upgrade, three new radio towers will be added to Indiana’s SAFE-T (Safety Acting for Everyone Together) network. This project also includes the installation of two additional towers in Jay and Wayne counties, pushing the total number of towers across the state from 191 to 197. These enhancements will provide critical improvements in coverage, ensuring a more interconnected and reliable communication network for police, fire, and EMS agencies across Indiana.
A Seamless Transition to Simulcast Radio
One of the most significant elements of the Vigo County upgrade is the transition to the state’s 10th simulcast radio system. This new setup broadcasts the same signal across multiple towers on a single frequency, ensuring uninterrupted communication for first responders in areas with challenging terrain or dense urban environments. Whether it’s an underground basement or a remote rural location, the system’s seamless coverage will allow emergency personnel to stay connected no matter where they are.
Motorola Solutions, the technology partner responsible for the project, emphasized the critical nature of the work. “In emergencies, a reliable connection is a lifeline,” the company stated on social media. “We are proud to be working alongside Vigo County and IPSC on the largest expansion of the SAFE-T network since 2019. With the addition of three new towers, we are bringing Vigo County onto a simulcast radio system powered by TDMA technology. This will double the capacity and eliminate communication dead zones for police, fire, and EMS services.”
A Vision for Statewide Safety
Governor Mike Braun hailed the expansion as a vital investment in public safety, underscoring its importance in ensuring the security of Hoosiers. "I am proud of Vigo County for making this critical investment in our first responders," Governor Braun remarked. "Reliable statewide communication is essential for the safety and well-being of all Hoosiers."
IPSC Executive Director Michael Watkins echoed the Governor’s sentiments, framing the Vigo County project as part of a broader statewide modernization initiative. "What’s happening in Vigo County is an example of the progress we are making across the state,” Watkins explained. “From hardware upgrades to the use of TDMA technology, these innovations are designed with one clear goal: to equip first responders with the tools they need to protect Hoosiers effectively."
Doubling Capacity with TDMA Technology
At the core of the upgrade is the integration of Phase 2 TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology. This advanced technology will significantly expand the network’s capacity by doubling the available talk paths, allowing more responders to communicate simultaneously without interference. This is part of a wider pilot program designed to ensure that Indiana’s public safety infrastructure remains adaptable and robust in the face of growing demand.
Alongside the TDMA technology, IPSC is also investing in a state-wide hardware refresh and reinforcing site backhaul redundancy. These upgrades will ensure that the network remains operational during extreme weather events or equipment failures, reflecting the real-world challenges that first responders must navigate.
Strengthening Interoperability for a Unified Response
One of the primary objectives of the SAFE-T network is to enhance interoperability between agencies at all levels — local, state, and federal. With these latest expansions, the network will enable seamless communication between multiple agencies during large-scale incidents, fostering efficient collaboration and improving public safety outcomes.
The improvements in Vigo County ensure that it remains a key player within Indiana’s broader public safety framework. The expansion will be completed over the next three years, with coverage progressively improving as each new tower becomes operational.
Conclusion: Building the Future of Public Safety
As Indiana continues to expand its public safety network, the enhancements to Vigo County’s infrastructure represent a significant leap forward in ensuring that first responders have the tools they need to protect the community. The new simulcast system, backed by TDMA technology, will provide vital support in emergency situations, giving first responders the clarity and reliability they need to act quickly and decisively.