Enhanced Public Safety Radio System Becomes Standard Across Region

Published on June 29, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (June 29, 2023) – The City of San Antonio, in partnership with Bexar County and CPS Energy, has launched a newer, more technologically advanced radio network for the region. 

“Having a strong, reliable radio system is critical for first responders and our local utilities,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “This new radio system will help more than 50 agencies stay connected and better serve our residents.”

The new system also allows public safety responders and more than 23,000 subscribers to communicate with each other across more than 50 agencies, including smaller police departments, schools, universities and volunteer fire departments. The new radio system is expected to receive more than 90 million calls annually, more than double the amount compared to the legacy system. 

An Inter Local Agreement with Bexar County and CPS Energy allows partners to share ownership and management of the new system in addition to cost savings. The contract was for a total of $110M - $82M for the purchase and installation of the new system and $28M for 15 years of ongoing maintenance and support.

The new 28-tower public radio system has been in use since September 2022 along with the legacy system. The new radio system includes improved audio quality and enhanced coverage across more than 1,200 square miles of the city, county and with extended coverage outside the county. 

On June 30, the Enhanced Digital Access Communication System (EDACS) legacy system will be turned off and decommissioned and a newer, more technologically advanced radio network will become the standard across the region.