Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) is able to use their existing radios with Starlink for clear, reliable radio coverage across their territory thanks to Skymira’s SkyPTT Gateways.
The Problem
After years of their VHF radio system working well, noise blur started causing problems. A decade of increasing interference finally reached the point that something needed to be done. In addition to noise blur, there were large gaps in coverage which left technicians at risk in case of emergencies. It was time to look for a solution that would provide better coverage and good audio quality.
The Search
To begin the search, MEC hired two different radio system consultants. Both advised that VHF was no longer a viable option. Others in the county using VHF like the police department and road crews were having similar issues along with other electric coops in the surrounding area. With VHF no longer a reliable option, MEC started a search for the best solution.
UHF
The first thought was to switch to a UHF radio system. However, it was quickly discovered that the distance between towers would require a lot of repeaters. Spreading UHF over the territory would be a multi-year, multi-million dollar undertaking. And, in the end, it still wouldn’t be all that MEC needed. Looking into the county’s rocky attempt to upgrade their systems to UHF confirmed that MEC needed to look in a new direction.
Radio over Internet
At this juncture, a timely conversation with another radio tech changed the course of MEC’s search. He asked if they’d ever looked into radio over internet. Sean Eskridge, MEC’s Manager of Safety and Compliance, remembers his reaction clearly: “My jaw dropped, and I said I’d never thought of it.”
Satellite for Radios
As he began looking into radio over IP (RoIP) options, Sean talked to someone from a nearby electric cooperative. They’d used satellite networks for their radio system for a few years and were happy with it. Encouraged, Sean contacted a couple of satellite radio providers. Skymira stood out with robust solutions that stood up to the on-site demo that confirmed that satellite was the connectivity solution MEC was looking for.
Starlink Mini
Shortly after the Skymira demo, Starlink announced that they would be introducing a new smaller terminal. Unlike the previous terminal, the Mini doesn’t require significant inverters or separate power supplies making it a viable mobile option. Skymira recommended that MEC pause the project for a few months to test the Starlink Mini terminal when it came out. The timing was perfect – technology had caught up with MEC’s needs. Tests with the Starlink Mini the week it came out, showed that it provided consistent coverage on the go.
The Solution
At that point it was just a matter of ordering and installing the Skymira SkyPTT gateways and Starlink Mini satellite terminals across the fleet. Skymira SkyPTT gateways plug into existing radios and connect them to an internet network – in this case Starlink’s satellite network. This provides reliable radio service and allows widely distributed teams to stay connected with each other and the central office no matter where they go.
The Result
Now that Missoula Electric Cooperative is using Starlink satellite for their radios thanks to Skymira’s gateways, they’re seeing an improvement in coverage and safety.
Coverage
With the new network, the technicians in the field have what they want – connectivity wherever they go. It’s surprisingly reliable even in the challenging landscapes of their rugged territory. While there are some places you can run out of sky in the deepest canyons or tree cover, Sean says you have to be parked a long time to be without coverage. So far, 3-4 seconds in the longest dump he’s seen. Knowing the crews can get real-time updates and backup if they need it is a big relief for everyone.
Before and After
A recent storm response highlighted the difference between the old and new systems as MEC helped a neighboring coop. The technicians from the other coop, still using VHF, couldn’t call the office. But the MEC techs were able to call in for them using their new Starlink minis.
Handhelds
One concern had been what to do for handheld units. The technicians spend a lot of time away from their trucks and have always used handheld radios. MEC was thrilled to learn they wouldn’t have to purchase new devices. They could continue using their existing two-way radios with satellite coverage thanks to the Skymira SkyPTT gateways.
Reports and Work Orders
The new solution also simultaneously solves other problems MEC faced. The Starlink terminals allow technicians to complete and submit work and service orders in the field. This saves a lot of time and frustration while making the whole workflow more efficient.
GPS Tracking
The SkyPTT gateways also provide real-time GPS location mapping. This allows the office to track vehicles and technicians, see emergency alerts, and send backup where it’s needed.
The Bigger Picture
MEC’s transition to radio over Starlink is part of a broader shift among land mobile radio users. When asked what he would tell others who are considering making a change in their radio systems, Sean said,
“A lot of people are in the same boat as we were. This is a really solid system and is doing everything we’re asking it to do and more – especially with connectivity – and it will continue to serve us down the road. In time, you’re going to see this tech become normal.”
Starlink has made satellite an affordable network option for county and local businesses and departments looking for reliable radio coverage and more capabilities. It’s going to become standard for everyone to expect real-time communications and GPS tracking in the field without gaps or end-of-day dumps.
Getting Started
Are you ready to stay at the forefront and improve your connectivity and safety like MEC? Contact Skymira to see how radio over Starlink can work for your team today.