On Thursday morning, the County with Harris Radio Reps began Voice Quality testing for the new Harris Digital radio system to support over 5,000 emergency responders. Teams consisting of Harris, ACD Telecom, and DES/Emergency Responders will drive all 762 square miles of Chester County and do a “can you hear me now” test.

The county, excluding nine urban areas, has been split into ½ mile by ½ mile grids. Each grid will be tested and cumulatively must achieve 97% portable, on-street coverage. Additionally, nine urban areas have been split into ¼ mile by ¼ mile grids and each of those grids will be tested. The nine urban areas must meet 97% portable coverage with a 12db handicap, designed to simulate residential and light commercial in-building coverage in the nine urban areas.

Ths is part of the new radio system testing that is planned to go into service in 2016 replacing the current system which lacks needed coverage and is now out of date. You can view the progress by visiting this map: http://goo.gl/plGGM7