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Uxbridge considers P25 public-safety radio upgrades; committee defers to capital planning
Summary
The committee discussed gaps in portable radio coverage and the likely need to adopt P25 interoperable radios over the next 1–2 years; members placed the project on future capital planning tracks and requested expert recommendations before committing funds.
The committee discussed recurring portable radio coverage issues in parts of town. Staff explained that prior repairs (including a repaired copper feed to a radio tower) did not fully resolve coverage gaps and that the long-term solution is likely migrating to P25 interoperable radio systems.
Members noted the state's and neighboring jurisdictions' move toward P25 and agreed the town should include P25 planning in its five‑year capital program. Staff cautioned that P25 equipment activation and licensing can be expensive (including per‑radio licensing or activation fees) and that interoperability considerations and available spectrum make immediate adoption complex. One member said the fire department has begun purchasing P25-capable radios and the police department already has P25-capable equipment but may not have activated the option.
The committee did not vote to appropriate funds at this meeting but asked staff to keep the topic in the capital plan and return with expert recommendations and a cost estimate as technology and costs evolve.
