ADRF partners with Martin County Schools to improve emergency communications

MARTIN COUNTY, Florida. — Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. (ADRF), a provider of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and repeaters, and Communications International (Ci), a systems integrator specializing in the design and implementation of communications networks, announce a partnership with Martin County School District (MCSD) to provide LTE and public safety connectivity to first responders, faculty and students at South Fork High School and Crystal Lake Elementary.

MCSD schools also often serve as storm shelters because of the region’s frequent hurricanes, which make it difficult for radio frequency (RF) signals to penetrate heavy metal and concrete walls. New Emergency Response Systems (ERCES) and LTE network systems provided by ADRF and installed by Ci ensure that strong RF signals are transmitted to every area of ​​the schools, including stairwells, elevators and basements, according to a press release. The LTE systems will also provide redundancy for other connected school safety measures that currently operate over the WiFi network. These include silent panic buttons in classrooms, stand-alone emergency doors and a network of surveillance cameras.

“We are committed to investing the resources necessary to protect our children, our most valuable asset,” said Frank Frangella, MCSD Chief of Safety and Security. “Critical communication systems are essential for police officers, firefighters and paramedics in our districts to effectively communicate during emergencies and ultimately save lives. South Fork and Crystal Lake Elementary are the first two schools to receive dedicated cellular communications networks, and plans are in the works for additional schools.”

ERCES and LTE are built on ADRF’s ADXV Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and support public safety bands (including FirstNet Band 14) as well as commercial frequencies for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The company says this is one of the first converged commercial and public safety network deployments in Florida, where public safety and commercial LTE bands share the same infrastructure in compliance with NFPA 1225 standards, including UL 2524, Second Edition.

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“Every second counts in times of crisis, and when students and staff are unable to call 911 or responders are unable to coordinate on-site operations, there can be serious consequences,” said Joe Ioco, vice president of business development, building wireless, Communications International (Ci). “This integration provides comprehensive building coverage, enhancing both safety and peace of mind for students, staff and the district. And by leveraging ADRF’s innovative converged technology, we were able to deploy public safety and commercial systems on a single infrastructure to reduce costs, improve installation efficiency and minimize disruption to school operations.”

“We are excited to support Martin County School District and our long-time partner Communications International in providing equipment that will enable first responders, faculty and students to stay connected,” said Jim Lilienfeld, Senior Regional Manager at ADRF. “Our modular ADXV DAS system provides Martin County schools with the ability to meet their needs today and easily upgrade their system should they want or need to add RF bands to their system in the future.”