Albemarle County Greenlights Transformative Public Safety Radio System and New Towers

Albemarle County is making a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety and swift response of its emergency services with the recent approval of a cutting-edge public safety radio system. This vital decision, backed by a 15-year lease agreement with Crown Castle and the green light for two new cell towers, signals the end of an era plagued by an aging, unreliable communication network that has often left first responders in critical situations without dependable connectivity.

For years, the county’s existing radio system has been a source of frustration and concern.

Its notorious dead zones and frequent communication failures have not only hindered the efficiency of police, fire, and rescue personnel but have also put both responders and the public at unnecessary risk. Supervisors emphasized the absolute necessity of this upgrade, acknowledging that reliable communication is the bedrock of effective emergency management, especially in life-or-death scenarios.

The newly approved system is designed to be FirstNet-compatible, tapping into a nationwide public safety broadband network built to provide secure, high-speed communication for first responders.

This advanced infrastructure promises to deliver robust and clear communication capabilities across the entire county, dramatically improving interoperability and ensuring that critical messages are transmitted without fail, even in the most remote or challenging terrains.

While the investment is substantial, coming in at approximately $24 million over the 15-year term, including comprehensive maintenance, the Board of Supervisors viewed it as a non-negotiable expenditure for public welfare.

Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, representing the Rivanna District, articulated the collective sentiment: “It’s very expensive, but it’s critical. We need to do this for public safety.” The cost reflects not just the new technology but also the long-term commitment to its upkeep and optimal performance.

The agreement with Crown Castle, a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure, is pivotal.

Crown Castle will undertake the construction and maintenance of the two new cell towers, which are crucial for expanding and solidifying the radio network’s coverage. The county will lease land for these towers, ensuring the infrastructure is strategically placed to maximize its impact on communication reliability across all districts.

This ambitious project is not without a timeline, with expectations set for the new system to be fully operational by late 2026 or early 2027.

This period allows for the meticulous planning, construction, and rigorous testing required to deploy a system that will serve the community for years to come. The implementation of this advanced radio system, coupled with the new towers, represents a significant step towards a safer, more connected Albemarle County, providing its dedicated emergency services with the tools they urgently need to protect and serve.