The Lackawanna County Commissioners announced today (9/26) plans to install a countywide carrier grade wireless network that will focus on enhancing public safety and government efficiency and economic development opportunities for the business and medical community sectors.
This project will be built in a budget neutral way and utilize grants to incorporate other features and additional coverage area moving forward.
The contract for this four stage project was approved today by the Commissioners and Conxx, Johnstown, PA.
“Today will mark the beginning of the future of advanced technology in Lackawanna County,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien. “Over three years ago, we had a vision of creating a network that would not only improve the infrastructure of Lackawanna County, but also create a network that could benefit the entire community. Our project speaks to that vision directly with the creation of a county wide carrier-grade, multi-service, wireless network that we expect to grow to serve and benefit our entire region.”
“Our project is designed to take advantage of the existing E911 broadcast towers and the county’s Center for Public Safety,” explained Commissioner Jim Wansacz. “Lackawanna County will improve its own overall network infrastructure, increase network sustainability, increase network stability, and improve public safety by adding tools and private networking abilities that aren’t available today. We will also reach out to the community to share the network to help local businesses, schools, the medical community, and the taxpayers of Lackawanna County save money, create jobs, and live safer.”
“This is a great project because we are involving multiple partners by bulk purchasing connectivity from the private sector,” said Commissioner Patrick O’Malley. “We will then distribute it with the efficiencies of this new technology to have a positive impact on our county. This will drive efficiency and create revenue opportunities for the local economy.”
The network project will be built in only one phase, broken down into four stages.
Stage one, the base ring will consist of a carrier-grade multi protocol label switching wireless microwave network with radios on our County Administration building, WNEP, 911 center, Pinnacle, Blair Hill, and a spur on the WEZX tower owned by Shamrock Communications located on top of Montage Mountain.
Stage two will incorporate remaining 911 towers by utilizing a $100,000 local share account grant secured in 2011.
Stage three will involve adding microwaves in the Lakeland and Finch Hill areas, covering the northern part of the County.
Stage four will add a microwave array to the Jefferson Township tower.
When all four stages are completed, Lackawanna County will have extensive wireless coverage across the entire County with unlimited options and possibilities moving forward.
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