Sometime in 2025, less than 5 years from now, North Carolina will have completed Phase 2 of the VIPER system (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders).

The achievement of this phase takes the state’s emergency communications network to TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) capabilities, meaning each channel can support two separate talk paths for unique voice radio conversation without needing additional base stations.

This improved communication is great news for emergency responders who depend on instant, reliable communication with other responders at the scene of an emergency, but it does come with a cost. Equipment that is currently more than five years old may or may not be able to upgrade and transition to Phase 2. Radios that have been purchased within the past five years should be able to be upgraded, but the cost of upgrading the older technology is oftentimes more than the cost of purchasing new equipment that sports new robust features and high-quality enclosures.

“It’s really a double-edged sword for our customers,” says Walt Hicks, Account Manager for 2-Way Radio sales at RCS Wireless Technology. “We’re excited to have this enhanced capability, but it means many subscribers will be looking at having to purchase new radios in order to communicate.”

Good News for New Equipment

For many years, many emergency responders have relied on Motorola equipment for communication needs. The good news as we head into Phase 2 is there are many more approved vendors, giving customers a variety of options when it comes to purchasing radios. The current list of approved vendors includes:

• Kenwood

• Harris

• TAIT

• EF Johnson

• BK-RELM

• Motorola

Walt cautions there are three things to keep in mind when shopping for new radios. Even though we’re not fully into Phase 2. In 2025, all equipment will need to be capable of Phase 2 Trunking. Therefore, any purchases made now should be of equipment that will accommodate this feature. Also, radios should be 700/ 800 MHz. And finally, check with your local jurisdiction to ensure the equipment you’re purchasing will be allowed on their systems.

To learn more about Phase 2 requirements and options available for new radios, contact RCS Wireless Technology and speak with our knowledgeable sales staff today.

For more than 60 years, RCS Wireless Technology has stayed on the cutting edge in technology, giving our customers the most up-to-date services and products available especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. Founded in 1959, RCS Wireless Technology has more than 60 years of experience in providing communication services to the Winston-Salem, N.C. area as well as throughout the state and nationwide.

RCS offers communication solutions for law enforcement officials, emergency responders, hospitals, hotels and more. Our services include 2-way radio solutions – rcscom.com | security camera installation – call24security.com | wireless emergency callboxes – call24wireless.com | signal boosting solutions – getabettersignal.com | Vehicle Upfit (within the communications realm) – rcscom.com 

Call our team of professional consultants at 1-336-788-9191, or toll-free at 1-800-441-9191, or use the button below to send a message to one of our customer service agents. Tell us how we can help you and your team stay safe and secure during this time.