MEDFORD, Ore. (Oct. 13, 2026) — A new regional public safety radio system is officially operational following years of planning, construction and testing, marking a significant upgrade to emergency communications infrastructure across Jackson County and surrounding areas.
Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) announced that its new digital public safety radio network successfully went live Oct. 6, replacing an aging collection of radio systems used by law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The upgraded network provides improved communication capabilities between the ECSO 911 dispatch center and first responders operating throughout Southern Oregon and portions of Northern California.
The system serves Jackson County and extends into portions of Josephine, Curry, Douglas, Klamath and Siskiyou counties.
ECSO 911 emphasized that the project specifically upgrades the radio infrastructure used by emergency dispatchers and first responders. It does not affect the public’s ability to call or text 911.
Replacing Decades-Old Emergency Communications Infrastructure
The new Project 25 (P25) Phase 2 hybrid VHF/700 MHz radio system replaces a patchwork of analog and digital communications networks that had developed over several decades.
According to ECSO, the previous infrastructure experienced coverage gaps, limited capacity, difficulties communicating between agencies and increasing maintenance challenges. Some equipment had been in service for more than 30 years.
The replacement system is designed to provide more reliable communications across the region’s challenging geography, including urban areas, rural communities and mountainous terrain.
The network also improves interoperability, allowing multiple public safety agencies to coordinate more effectively during emergencies, mutual aid responses and large-scale incidents.
ECSO serves as the primary 911 dispatch center for Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park.
Voters Approved $28 Million Bond in 2019
Development of the upgraded communications system began more than a decade ago.
In 2014, Jackson County Fire District 3 received a Department of Homeland Security grant to fund an initial assessment of the county’s public safety radio infrastructure.
Two years later, ECSO retained Federal Engineering to develop a conceptual design, ultimately selecting the hybrid VHF/700 MHz P25 Phase 2 system.
In November 2019, Jackson County voters approved a $28 million general obligation bond to fund the project. The measure received approximately 58% voter support.
ECSO subsequently contracted with Motorola Solutions in November 2020 to implement the new network.
Construction began in 2023 and included the development or modernization of 20 radio sites throughout the coverage area.
The work, completed in 2025, included installing solar power and battery systems at remote locations without access to conventional electrical infrastructure.
Approximately 1,700 to 1,800 mobile and portable radios were also ordered, distributed and installed for participating public safety agencies.
Following extensive testing and a period of parallel operations with the existing infrastructure, the new network transitioned to full operational status Oct. 6.
Additional State and Federal Funding Supported Project
ECSO said the project’s scope expanded during development as participating agencies requested additional technologies and equipment to improve performance, redundancy and long-term reliability.
Additional financial support came from the Oregon Legislature, federal grants, participating agencies and partnerships involving the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police.
Local state legislators also helped secure $2.5 million in additional state funding that ECSO described as critical to completing the project.
The agency credited Jackson County voters, participating cities, public safety agencies, county officials and its board of directors for supporting the multiyear effort.
Improved Communications for Regional Emergency Response
The new network is intended to strengthen day-to-day emergency communications while improving coordination during incidents involving multiple jurisdictions.
The system provides real-time voice communications between dispatchers and emergency personnel across a broad geographic area, including locations where mountainous terrain and remote conditions have historically presented communication challenges.
ECSO said coordination remains underway with fire and law enforcement agencies, along with Jackson County Roads, Parks and Animal Services, to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the system’s capabilities.
The Oct. 6 launch represents the culmination of more than a decade of planning and development, providing Southern Oregon emergency responders with modernized communications infrastructure intended to serve the region for years to come.
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