The excess capacity of the microwave system also may be used by local government, making local systems both cheaper to operate and more reliable at the same time. The technical infrastructure that the Commonwealth is putting into place will not only support the number of units required to make this a true interactive statewide system, but it also is a flexible architecture. Local jurisdictions can build out a portion of the system to meet local requirements, such as in-building portable coverage, at a fraction of the cost required to build a separate, stand alone radio system. This is important as counties and other units of local government struggle to provide quality communications on a fixed budget. Of course, full participation in the state system is not mandated, but completely voluntary.
Counties can pick and choose among various elements of the state system.
Mobile data and AVL are becoming much more important to public safety professionals, but few counties are able to afford such programs on their own. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania statewide radio project will raise the level of applied technology throughout the state. Local government will share the benefits of this system. Communications between the counties and with state agencies will be greatly improved by rapid and reliable voice and data communications. Cost savings will go along with advanced technology as cooperation is possible on data and AVL systems, tower construction, microwave system sharing, purchasing of high tech equipment, as well as the possibility of full system integration.