The City of Paducah and McCracken County want citizens to be aware that authorized field testing currently is underway as part of an ongoing upgrade to the region’s public safety communications system.
Representatives of Communications International, the project vendor, are conducting the testing for the 911 radio and tower project. Personnel may be seen operating a white, GMC Terrain with a Texas license plate and two large black antennas mounted on the roof. The vehicle is a rental and does not display official signage; however, the two-person testing team can be identified by company-issued badges and branded clothing.
As part of the system modernization effort, technicians are conducting coverage testing at multiple locations throughout Paducah and McCracken County. This process is essential to verify radio signal reliability, assess system performance, and support final validation of the upgraded communications network.
Residents may observe testing personnel using portable radios, laptops, antennas, and other technical equipment in public areas and along roadways. These activities are planned, authorized, and necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the upgraded system prior to full implementation.
Officials emphasize that this work is strictly related to communications infrastructure improvements. Testing personnel are not engaged in law enforcement, surveillance, or any unrelated activities.
In December 2023, the City and County approved agreements with Communications International to upgrade the 911 radio system to include equipment for towers, consoles, and portable radio units. This project includes approximately $7.67 million in system upgrades. Coverage testing is one of the final steps before the new system becomes fully operational.
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