Welcome to the website for the West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) and West Virginia Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC).
West Virginia's interoperable and emergency communications environment consists of a statewide ultrahigh frequency (UHF), Project 25 (P25) digital trunked system known as the West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN). SIRN enables Federal, State, and local agencies to communicate with one another on a shared radio network, as well as providing interoperable connectivity with bordering States.
West Virginia Code §15-14-2(b) defines SIRN as “the interoperable communications network established for the purpose of implementing and maintaining an interoperable communications network for first responders to help assure the safety of all citizens in the event of disaster or emergency.”
The geography of West Virginia constitutes the largest communications challenge within the State. The Appalachian Mountains hinder using higher frequency ranges because more towers tend to be required when operating at higher frequencies. Thus, West Virginia uses the 400 MHz range UHF, P25 digital trunked system as the standard communication system throughout the State due to line- of-sight considerations.
Another factor affecting radio communications in West Virginia is the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ), which encloses a land area of approximately 13,000 square miles near the Virginia state border. The NRQZ was designated to minimize harmful interference to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia and Sugar Grove Station, located at the former US Navy Radio Research Observatory near Sugar Grove, WV. Power density thresholds in the radio spectrum that exceed the levels that are harmful to observations at these facilities are not permitted. Power reduction, antenna modification, antenna reconfiguration or location, or selecting different frequencies where the power density limits are different are required for communication in this area.
West Virginia’s vision and mission for improving emergency and public safety communications interoperability:
Vision:
To continue to enhance, sustain, maintain, coordinate resources, and improve statewide public safety communications interoperability. To continue to establish and develop policies and guidelines and identify technology and resiliency standards affording the citizens of West Virginia safety and enhanced response thereby protecting life, limb, and property.
Mission:
To maintain, enhance and facilitate resilient interoperable communications for Public Safety in West Virginia.
The governing body associated with interoperable and emergency communications in West Virginia is the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC). The SIEC is codified through West Virginia State Code §15-14-5. The SIEC identifies new and emerging technologies and standards as well as enhances the coordination of all available resources for public safety communications interoperability. SIEC’s standing committees ( including Technical, Planning, Policy & Procedures, Training/Education/Outreach, Broadband and Conference, and Cybersecurity) meet monthly to stay on top of interoperable communications needs within the state and region.
Under W. Va. Code §15-14-6 and §15-14-7, the SIEC works cooperatively with the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to monitor the implementation and operation of SIRN including all equipment, structures and property. The director, or their designee, may enter into cooperative agreements, land and tower leases, memorandums of understanding/agreement, training contracts or service contracts with political subdivisions of the state, other states, federal agencies, and with public or private agencies for use by the radio network.