The Public Safety Communications Council

Interoperable communications in South Dakota have become increasingly more critical as joint response to

emergencies has become more commonplace. In 2002, a statewide communications network was turned up

to serve the communications needs among all first responders in the state. South Dakota was one of the first

statewide systems to employ a trunked digital VHF network, and is now providing service to over 20,000 first

responders with coverage to 98% of the 77,000 square miles of the state over 57 tower sites.

To provide representative oversight for system protocols and operations, an Executive Order creating the

South Dakota Public Safety Communications Council (SDPSCC) was signed by Governor Rounds in 2007, 

and updated by Governor Daugaard in 2018.

P25 Conversion Timeline & Information 

Target Underserved Areas