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Public Safety Radio Communications and Frequency Management
The Public Safety Services Bureau (PSSB) is responsible for managing radio and mutual aid frequencies, including state-held frequency licenses and the application and permitting of public safety radio mutual aid frequencies. PSSB serves as a liaison with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), and tribal, state and local users of public safety radio.
National Emergency Communication Plan:
Goal # 2
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Emergency Communications has established a vision for emergency communications in the United States. The National Emergency Communications plan includes three goals to establish a baseline level of interoperable emergency communications during routine, day-to-day incidents, and for responses to large-scale disasters. Goal 2 focuses on the demonstration of response-level emergency communications by all counties or communities during day-to-day or routine incidents and states that: “By 2011, 75 percent of all non-urban jurisdictions are able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies." A summary of Goal 2 demonstration guidelines may be found at this link.
DHS requires each state to report on two types of information related to response-level emergency communications: capabilities and performance. Capability data is based on the key foundational elements of the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. Performance data focuses on the ability of primary operational leadership to communicate, manage resources, and make timely decisions during an incident, exercise or planned event. Click here for the capabilities questionnaire and here for county performance survey. Please fill these two forms out to the best of your ability and email the completed forms to E. Wing Spooner. This data is needed as soon as possible, since it was due in the fall of 2011.
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
PSSB also is attached administratively to the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator’s (SWIC) Office, which is tasked with working with emergency response leaders across all levels of government to implement a statewide strategic vision for interoperability. The SWIC is responsible for the implementation of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) as well as oversight of the state's interoperability efforts and coordination of interoperability and communications projects. On Nov. 2, 2011, Chief Information Officer (CIO) Dick Clark appointed Warren Dupuis as Montana's SWIC in accordance with provisions outlined in Governor Brian Schweitzer's Executive Order 13-2011.
Here is the SWIC contact information:
Warren Dupuis, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC)
PO Box 200113
125 N. Roberts, Mitchell Bldg., Rm 227
Helena, MT 59620-0113
Office: 406-444-2700
Fax: (406) 444-2701
E-mail: SIGB Support
Statewide Interoperability Governing Board (SIGB)
The Statewide Interoperability Governing Board (SIGB) was established by Executive Order No.13-2011 to direct the operation of the statewide public safety radio system formerly operated by Interoperability Montana. The purpose is to ensure the future of interoperable communications in Montana as descibed in Montana's Homeland Security Strategic Plan (HSSP) and State Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP).
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