Analog vs Digital

Voice and data can both be packaged and transmitted using either analog or digital signals.

KEWS operates using older analog technologies that are obsolete and will not support modern digital technologies that are rapidly emerging and necessary for increased capacity and high speed data capabilities.  Manufacturers of analog equipment have migrated to digital equipment and replacement or introduction of new analog products are nonexistent. 

KEWS microwave infrastructure is over 25 years old with replacement parts that are not available and network failures that will impact the various communication systems riding on the KEWS network are increasing at an alarming rate.  The importance to upgrade the analog microwave infrastructure to a modern digital system is paramount for the critical day-to-day communication requirements of public safety agencies throughout the Commonwealth.  The upgrade will enhance and expand communication services among the various disciplines of public safety spanning the multiple levels of government.  This includes wireless services to allow public safety officials to access centralized databases such as Criminal History, Vehicle Registration, Mug shots, Fingerprints, and Geographical Information Systems from their cruisers and emergency vehicles.  It will also allow for the collaboration and sharing of information/intelligence to gain situational awareness in real time of the developing emergency with the capability to transmit/receive command and control directives from the emergency operations center, thus leading to a more efficient and effect response. 

The Commonwealth envisions the new shared public safety digital microwave infrastructure to be the cornerstone of technology advancement allowing various government entities the capabilities to improve its efficiencies and effectiveness of its operations when responding to an emergency.  With the modern digital upgrade, KEWS will evolve again to provide a secure, highly survivable and redundant wireless digital Public Safety Communication system that is critical for the protection of life and property in the Commonwealth