Satnews Daily
December 31st, -0001

MSV's SatCom Net Will Assist Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security


Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) has partnered with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Response and Operations Division (IDHS) to manage and monitor the Mid-West Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (MWSMART) operating on the MSV satellite communications network. MWSMART is the fourth, multi-state, regional talkgroup provided gratis by MSV to facilitate rapid, reliable and interoperable communications over satellite for public safety operations and emergency responders. Working with state and local public safety agencies, MSV has already helped establish SMART talkgroups serving 26 states located throughout the Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions.

In coordination with MSV, the IDHS will manage, provide 24x7 monitoring, and approve participation in MWSMART by federal, state, tribal, and local public safety agencies - and appropriate private sector users with a public safety mission — located in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. This new mid-west regional talkgroup enables critical and interoperable communications at all levels of public safety agencies and facilities in this 14-state region. For those agencies already using MSV's technology, these talkgroups represent a major step forward in public safety interoperability, particularly when terrestrial networks are damaged or congested. All public safety organizations in the Midwest region with active accounts on the MSV network are eligible and encouraged to join MWSMART at no charge by way of application to the IDHS. A copy of the Standard Operating Procedures and application are available from: MWSMART@dhs.IN.gov or by calling (317) 232-3849.

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