In 1996, the Pennsylvania statewide radio network (PA-STARNet) was initiated by Pennsylvania Legislative Act 148. Act 148 provided funding for a “communication and information infrastructure, including approximately 200 sites located throughout this commonwealth for transmission of voice and data communication connected by a digital microwave system to form a statewide mobile radio network.”
PA-STARNet is one of the largest public safety communications systems in North America, and is one of the largest private microwave networks anywhere. It is used by state and local government agencies and business partners for agency dispatch and mobile voice and data communication for public safety and emergency response.