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Ohio Utilities Granted Waiver to Join MARCS (2/27/09)
The FCC approved a waiver request from the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC) to become part of the 800 MHz Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) operated by the state of Ohio for public safety and highway maintenance operations. OREC members said that their current VHF and UHF systems are becoming increasingly unreliable due to the advancing age of equipment and network infrastructure. The current systems also lack trunking capability, limiting efficiency and the ability to form talk groups, according to the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC).
OREC also cited the radio systems' lack of interoperability with public-safety agencies, with which utilities often must communicate during major storms and other emergencies that cause power outages. The group pointed to downed power lines blocking roadways after storms or automobile accidents involving utility poles.
The FCC stated in its waiver grant that other utilities must request separate waivers to join the MARC system, opening the possibility of further sharing. UTC officials said that the Ohio system and a shared system in Nevada could prompt other utilities to consider partnerships with public-safety agencies to operate joint systems.
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