City evaluates transition to EF Johnson communications system over Motorola costs

The Irving City Council held a work session on June 12, 2025, focusing on the future of the city's radio communication system. The primary discussion centered around the impending expiration of the current contract with Motorola, which has been in place since 2012 and is set to end in October 2025. The city currently pays approximately $1.38 million annually for this service, but Motorola has indicated that they will no longer offer a 10-year agreement, proposing instead a 6-year contract with a significant cost increase to $3.74 million per year.

During the meeting, city officials highlighted the advantages of continuing with Motorola, noting their status as a market leader in land mobile radio systems, with minimal downtime averaging just 45 seconds per quarter. However, challenges were also acknowledged, particularly concerning poor in-building radio coverage in the rapidly developing Las Colinas area and the complexities of the existing system that necessitate ongoing support from Motorola.

An alternative solution was presented involving the expansion of the EF Johnson communication system, which the city currently operates at three sites. This system is P25 compliant, ensuring compatibility with existing equipment and offering a distributed architecture that allows each site to function independently. The EF Johnson option is projected to be significantly less expensive, with annual maintenance costs estimated at $800,000, compared to Motorola's proposed fees.

The transition to EF Johnson would require an initial investment in personnel and equipment, totaling approximately $840,000 for tools and equipment, $100,000 for building modifications, and $340,000 for new vehicles. Additionally, the city anticipates potential cost recovery through partnerships with other cities looking to transition from Motorola, estimating a conservative recovery of around $2.67 million over ten years.

The council's discussions underscored the importance of making a strategic decision regarding the city's communication infrastructure, weighing the reliability and brand recognition of Motorola against the cost-effectiveness and independence offered by EF Johnson. The meeting concluded with a clear direction towards further exploration of the EF Johnson option, with plans to engage potential partner cities in the near future.