Connecticut Telecommunications System (CTS) Unit
Connecticut Telecommunications System (CTS) Unit The Connecticut Telecommunications System (CTS) is comprised of several subsystems that are integrated into a statewide communications network. The CTS Unit operates under the Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications (DSET) and provides land mobile radio as well as other interoperable communications for the Connecticut State Police. CTS manages over 65 sites across Connecticut to support equipment in the subsystems. Many sites include an antenna support tower and shelter, built to specifications that exceed industry standards, assure survivability, and maintain network operations during extreme conditions.
The CTS Mutual Aid (8CALL/8TAC) system was implemented as
part of the 800 MHz radio installation to provide interoperability
communications between Public Safety Agencies. This complies with the National
Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) recommendations, FCC Rules
& Regulations, and Regions 8 & 19 Regional Planning Update Committee
(RPUC) plans.
Interoperability
allows agencies to communicate with others regardless of manufacturer,
equipment model, or frequency of their native system. CTS provides various ways
to allow communication between agencies. The 800 MHz NPSPAC 8CALL/8TAC system,
legacy radio systems and dispatch console cross patching can create many
flexible interoperability configurations.
Connecticut
Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN)
The
CLMRN is a trunked P25 Phase 1 (FDMA) & 2 (TDMA) 700 and 800 MHz system
that provides 98% mobile coverage statewide. The network radio sites are linked
with both microwave and fiber optic cable. This provides public safety grade
reliability with 24x7x365 monitoring by a dedicated team of experts at the
Network Control Center.
Recent updates to the land mobile radio network have increased capacity; making it possible for municipalities, State and Federal agencies, neighboring states, and public safety providers to benefit from the advantages of the CLMRN. The network is able to integrate trunked systems with conventional radios and dispatch consoles and has over 15,000 radios currently in use.
Benefits of Joining the CLMRN
- No fees charged by the State
- Access to conventional channel gateway network (CCGW) with Motorola consoles
- Over–the-air–rekeying (OTAR)
- Over-the-air-programming (OTAP)
- Interoperability with other CLMRN users
- Access to the state radio management system
- Potential increased/improved coverage
- 24/7/365 monitoring
- Reduced costs vs. building own system
- Mobile phone/LTE integration
- Quarterly User Group meetings
Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) Brochure
Making Interoperability a Reality by enhancing critical communications for Connecticut municipalities and public safety partners
State Interoperability Executive Committee SIEC & CT Land Mobile Radio Network Meeting Recordings (YouTube)
- 2022 Connecticut Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (Approved/Executed)
Network Control Center (NCC) Key Responsibilities
Monitoring (24 x 7 x 365)
- Facilities, power, HVAC, site access, transport, circuits, P25 trunked radio system, conventional radio system
Documentation
- Logging of site activity and ticketing of trouble incidents and scheduled maintenance/repairs
Notification
- Utilization of multiple systems to provide notification to technicians and customers of service affecting work (scheduled & non-scheduled)
Reporting
- · Daily, weekly and monthly system reports and ad hoc reports provided to CTS to support system health and peak performance
** Reminder for current CLMRN users - we appreciate your feedback! If there are areas in your jurisdiction with poor coverage (e.g., calls drop, no signal, distorted sound), contact the NCC and report the issue. You can call the NCC 24x7 at (860) 685-8008. Do your best to describe details such as: geographic location, radio type (mobile, portable), if portable – how worn, in-building or outside, type of antenna (quarter or half wave). These details help our engineers address the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I just use my current system?
- Any radios or equipment you wish to use on the network must meet P25 standards, pass the Compliance Acceptance Program (CAP), and be approved by CTS engineers.
Can our school buses add radios to the network?
- The CLMRN is not designed to support routine school bus operations. See policy regarding school transportation (click here).
Is the network vulnerable to outages?
- Most sites are equipped with a standby generator and 8 hour battery backup systems, redundant HVAC systems, entry control and alarm, and fire detection systems.
Can you enhance radio coverage?
- To improve street level/in-building portable radio coverage, beyond the network’s current capability, may require the user to purchase additional equipment (e.g., infrastructure, repeaters, etc.) to enhance reception.
Are communications encrypted?
- Radios can be programmed for encrypted communication. The user is responsible for ensuring their radios and equipment are compatible.
Who is eligible to be on the Network?
- Municipalities & public safety providers:
- Law Enforcement
- Fire Departments
- EMS
- Public Works
- Emergency Response Teams
- Schools
- Transportation
- Other Public Safety Supporters
Click the links to see maps listing current users who are “Live” on the CLMRN.
CLMRN User Group Survey
Feedback is important and benefits the whole group. Here’s what we learned from a recent survey:
- 77% reported improved interoperability with other users.
Users on their experience working with CTS Engineers –
- "They were very informative and provided detailed information about the transition throughout the change over."
- "Extremely helpful and responsive. Especially when called upon during critical incident."
Click to view a summary of the results:
Interoperability License Agreement
CTS is Making Interoperability a Reality. The State does not charge a fee for municipalities and public safety providers to join the CLMRN. The License Agreement offers written assurances for a multi-year period that outlines the responsibilities and expectations set for public safety partners to join the network. Contact us if you’d like a draft agreement for your organization. Click to review a draft of the License Agreements.
Land Mobile Radio Resources
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) videos:
SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants
- Summary
- Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Project 25 Standards and Compliance
- SAFECOM and NCSWIC White Paper - LLA and LLE: Are You Really Secure?
- SAFECOM and NCSWIC White Paper - PAGING: A VITAL LINK FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
- SAFECOM and NCSWIC White Paper - LMR for IT Professionals
- SAFECOM and NCSWIC White Paper - Interoperability Business Case: An Introduction to Ongoing Local Funding (April 2023)
SAFECOM and NCSWIC Resources
CTS Technical Advisory Bulletins (TABs)
- Emergency Response Radio Coverage Enhancement (Interim, 27Feb23)
o Design Checklist
o Pre-Acceptance Testing Pre-Requisites
o BDA Site Acceptance Testing Checklist
o BDA Annual Testing Checklist
- ISSI/CSSI Interface Limitations (25Jan23)
- Vehicle Installation (25Jan23)
- Subscriber Equipment and Options (21Jan23)
Next Step: Contact Us
Joining the CLMRN requires more than just flipping a switch. It’s important to note that any radios or dispatch consoles that you want to access the network must be compatible with the CLMRN. The best way to determine if you are eligible to join the CLMRN is to reach out and set up a conference call with the CTS team.
Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Clayton Northgraves, Director of Emergency Telecommunications
(860) 888-1285
Scott Wright, Senior Telecommunications Engineer
(860) 462-9899