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Hemis Springs pilot uses SkyMera and Starlink to boost rural radio and data coverage
Summary
Chief Marona said a SkyMera gateway and Starlink-connected mobile unit in Hemis Springs improved radio connectivity for deputies and firefighters; he estimated roughly $20,000 in combined costs and is testing cross-jurisdiction links with state police.
Chief Marona briefed the JPA on a SkyMera pilot in Hemis Springs that bridges handheld radios to a mobile unit and then transmits back to dispatch via satellite-backed links. He said the system has improved communications where handheld coverage was previously unreliable.
"We are operating off of satellite... I probably close to $20,000 right now," Chief Marona said when asked about the purchase and installation costs, adding that the total includes radios and base-station upgrades. He said the setup uses Starlink for internet connectivity and SkyMera to carry radio-over-IP traffic to a cloud system and back to the dispatch network.
Marona described interoperability tests planned with state police and said he will test reach to Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Las Vegas. He said Hemis Springs Fire is considering installing a SkyMera gateway and that agencies could share gateways or portable "go kits" so mobile units can provide connectivity when deployed.
Why it matters: The pilot could provide reliable radio and internet connectivity in remote areas without building permanent towers, improving response capability for isolated incidents.
Next steps: Marona will provide itemized costs, continue tests with state police channels and discuss options for shared gateways and go kits with partner agencies.
