Motorola to purchase South Carolina radio network
Motorola announced on Monday that it would purchase and begin operating South Carolina’s 800MHz emergency radio network owned by SCANA Communications. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed
The network serves public safety agencies and utilities throughout South Carolina. Currently, Motorola provides radio hardware to the 800MHz users while SCANA owns and operates the network. Under terms of the agreement signed July 15, SCANA will transition operations of the network to Motorola, and Motorola will immediately being building it out as a statewide system, while also upgrading equipment for full digital operation.
The system covers more than 70% of South Carolina, serving about 9,400 users.
This network will be the first statewide operational radio communications network in the country that Motorola will own, maintain and provide services for public safety and utilities customers. When completed, the value of the network will excel $60 million, according to a Motorola press release. The costs for building and operating this network are shared by the more than 44 state, municipal and utility agencies who use the network by paying monthly fees.
SCANA entered the wireless communications business in 1991 after Hurricane Hugo revealed critical inadequacies in radio communications in the state. SCANA’s system allows government agencies and utilities to communicate with each other.