Delaware has completed a sweeping overhaul of its statewide radio system, marking the end of its decades-old 800 MHz network and the beginning of a fully modern, IP-based communications platform for first responders.
The $63 million project, led by the Department of Safety and Homeland Securityโs Division of Communications, was finalized Monday, Sept. 22, with the decommissioning of the legacy system. The upgrade brings Delaware into full compliance with Project 25 (P25), a national standard for public safety interoperability.
โThis is a transformational moment for emergency communications in Delaware,โ said Eric Wagner, the stateโs director of communications and Statewide Interoperability Coordinator. โWeโve transitioned from an outdated system to one that puts Delaware at the forefront of public safety technology.โ
The state has invested $51 million in state-owned radios and $12 million in municipal systems to modernize emergency communications. Upgrades include reprogramming 18,000 radios, implementing TDMA technology to double capacity, and deploying advanced management systems.
