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Land Mobile Radio

Land Mobile Radio in Oregon

Land mobile radio systems are commonly used for critical wireless communications between emergency responders. LMR systems typically support mission-critical voice communications. LTE data support allows devices to stream video or send large amounts of data, which can alert police, firefighters and other emergency responders to critical events on the ground.

What is the status of Oregon's LMR Systems?

LMR systems and technology have quickly evolved, but agencies can't always keep up with the latest equipment. Some agencies have basic LMR systems in place while others are using technology that is more advanced. Sometimes these systems aren't compatible with one another, making it more difficult for public safety responders and officials to communicate during emergencies.

For agencies and jurisdictions who wish to upgrade to interoperable communications systems, there are a number of barriers:

  • Some LMR systems are incompatible with surrounding systems due to customization or proprietary issues designed to serve specific agency missions.
  • Public safety communication systems sometimes operate on different spectrum frequencies based on the assignment from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Systems that operate on different frequencies are not always interoperable.
  • Some agencies have vendor-specific or customized systems that aren't standard, so they are not compatible with neighboring public safety LMR systems.
  • Agencies using advanced technologies, including advanced LMR features, Internet Protocol (IP, or computer-based) systems and broadband technologies sometimes cannot interoperate with older LMR systems.
  • Encrypted communications that are proprietary or not standardized prohibit interoperability with radios that are not encrypted in the same way.

See here for additional information about LMR system.

The Oregon Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Coverage (ODOT/OSP)

The state LMR systems that is jointly administered by Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon State Police. The coverage map as of September 24, 2018.

map of LMR RF availability