A field test conducted by the Multi Agency Communications Center (MACC911) in Grant County, Washington, in August 2026 demonstrated a strategic approach to public safety communications: build around resilient broadband networks, with land mobile radio (LMR) as an essential component—not the entire communications network.

The approach does not mean replacing or removing radios. LMR remains highly effective for immediate, shared tactical voice communications and should continue to be maintained and funded. Instead, agencies can extend the value of existing radio investments by connecting radio systems to resilient broadband and integrating them with a broader communications ecosystem.

For 911 directors, police chiefs and fire chiefs, this broadband-first model can provide a path toward greater resilience, expanded operational capabilities and potentially lower overall costs, while allowing agencies to move incrementally rather than through major upfront infrastructure investments, bond measures or lengthy procurement cycles.

The practical starting point is simple: put the radios agencies already own on the internet.

By treating LMR as one critical layer within a resilient broadband communications network, public safety organizations can create a more flexible foundation for voice, data and emerging mission-critical applications—while protecting the investments and capabilities they already depend on.

Download the whitepaper from Public Safety Broadband Technology Association