The radio system that serves both incorporated and unincorporated Lee County is provided by the Division of Public Safety, Telecommunications Program.

This system is actually a duel system, i.e., a three-tower site, analog 806 MHz Smartnet trunked system and a nine-tower site, analog 821 Smartnet Simulcast system. Each is independent of the other and is connected by a combination of six GHz microwaves and leased T-1 dedicated telephone circuits.

The Smartnet Information Management System (SIMS) which includes Subscriber Access Control (SAC) records, is confined within a closed Network of Users (clients) connected to the SIMS Servers. The SIMS Network is not connected to any County Networks, where outside access by hackers is possible. We do have a capability to dial-in to the Servers via a modem to observe the activity of the system, but it's on a Read Only basis.

Additionally, we perform system wide backups on a weekly schedule (daily, during major data changes) and the radio system is designed to operate in default (all SAC records turned on) in the event of a catastrophic failure. Further, there are no dial-up connections to the console network. The server is archived after every major change in the database which averages once a month.

As for backup systems, we have numerous emergency mobile assets ranging from a tractor-trailer mounted mobile command post down to a self contained, shelter mounted 5 channel radio site, with a 75 foot retractable antenna, which can be helicopter transported to the top of a tall building.

In view of the above, we are confident that should a catastrophic natural or man-made event occur, we are as prepared as we can be to restore the system in a timely way."

As a tribute to the planning and skill of our personnel in the Government Communications Network Section, this system was the only wireless system that stayed online the entire time that hurricane Charlie visited our area.

Site Contacts: Webmaster: Lt. Thomas Woolverton Lee Control   Voice:  239-477-3626   Fax:     239-477-3639 (Remember, if you have an emergency threating life or property, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number)

Address: Telecommunications Program Emergency Operations Center 2665 Ortiz Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33905-7804