Missouri counties deploy P25 VHF simulcast network

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

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. An effort to modernise emergency services in the 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, while 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. The company’s 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 critical to 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.”

Field testing verified that both counties achieved more than 95% reliability for mobile and outdoor portable coverage. More than 2300 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.”

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