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CanECOM outlines countywide radio upgrade to improve interoperability
Summary
CanECOM told the Kane County Judicial & Public Safety Committee it plans to replace legacy fire channels with a countywide Zetron‑based simulcast network using Scionel microwave links, aimed at closing coverage gaps, simplifying dispatch and providing redundancy for emergency responders.
CanECOM’s director told the Kane County Judicial & Public Safety Committee on Nov. 13 that the agency is moving into implementation on a countywide radio modernization intended to improve coverage and responder interoperability.
"CanECOM is working on modernizing our public safety radio system by replacing outdated fire north and fire south channels with a countywide simulcast network," the director reported, adding the upgrade uses Zetron simulcast backbone equipment and Scionel microwave links between tower sites to create redundancy should fiber fail.
The project, the director said, is designed to eliminate coverage gaps, simplify dispatching and strengthen communication during emergencies, particularly for fire agencies that respond throughout the county. One location will use microwave as its primary link, with others using microwave for redundancy.
Committee members asked about staffing and space needs during the CanECOM presentation. The director said hiring continues: two telecommunicators are in hands‑on training (classroom work already completed) and the full training pipeline lasts six to nine months. Members recommended a short, standardized space‑needs document to help departments track requests; the director noted the county administration assembled a 2022 space‑needs assessment that can be revisited.
What’s next: CanECOM said implementation work will proceed over the coming months as equipment is installed and staff training continues.
