By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County officials say their decision to pull out of the statewide emergency wireless network is vindicated now that the state is also backing away.
The two billion dollar wireless network was supposed to give emergency first responders better communication across municipalities and departments. But early tests of the system showed that wasn't happening. Emergency officials reported actually less dependable communication, with poor and lost signals, as well as spotty coverage.
Erie and Chautauqua counties were part of that initial rollout. But Erie County pulled out as a "full partner" in the project after system tests showed it was fraught with problems. Now it appears the state is now ready to cut its losses. Erie County Executive Chris Collins said that only confirmed their decision.
The state is reportedly close to pulling out of the contract with MA/Com, the company that won the bid to install the system statewide. A state comptroller's report says the company failed to meet its goals.
State auditors came into Erie County to evaluate the system. And Collins said what they found might have influenced the comptroller's decision.
The state could opt to go with another vendor in the future to install an 800 megahertz system. If that happens, Collins said the county would be able to connect to it via its 400 megahertz system in the event of a statewide emergency.
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