WISCOM 800

Welcome to the WISCOM 800 page. This is your source information on WISCOM 800! This page will be updated as new information is available. 

The Wisconsin Interoperable System for Communications (WISCOM) will be transitioning from a VHF (Very High Frequency) P25 Phase 1 system to a 7/800 MHz Hybrid P25 Phase 1 & Phase system, which will be called WISCOM 800. WISCOM 800 will also contain a VHF conventional overlay. The state has contracted with L3Harris to design and build out this new system. 

WISCOM 800 will be rolled out in a phased approach, broken out into 6 regions, starting in the southeast region of the state. 

Existing and Future WISCOM/WISCOM 800 Users should know:

• WISCOM 800 will be a 7/800 MHz Hybrid P25 Phase 1 & 2 System
• Phase 1: Control Channel and existing interoperability talkgroups such as SCALL, STACs, RCALLs, RTACS, etc.
• Phase 2: All daily use talkgroups, dispatch, tactical and working talkgroups
• WISCOM 800 Coverage is designed for:
• 95% mobile 7/800 MHz coverage inside each of the six interoperability regions
• 95% portable outdoor 7/800 MHz coverage in existing daily use counties: Iowa County, Dunn County, Kewaunee County, Douglas County completely; and Taylor County, Sawyer County, Bayfield County, Florence County, Juneau County, excluding National Forest lands within these counties
• 95% portable outdoor 7/800 MHz coverage in the city of Fond du Lac
• 95% portable in 15dB buildings 7/800 MHz coverage in New Lisbon and Mauston
• WISCOM 800 conventional analog VHF overlay is designed for:
• Statewide 95% mobile coverage VHF simplex channels: VCALL10, VLAW31, and VMED29
• Regional-Based Voted Receive
• Dispatch Selected Site Specific Transmit
• Note that the conventional VHF overlay is designed to provide mobile/vehicular radios with interop access to the WISCOM 800 via the conventional analog channels from the National Interoperability Field Guide, which are listed above
• The conventional analog VHF overlay is a simplex system that does not repeat subscriber transmissions from the tower site.
• The conventional analog VHF overlay does not provide direct access to the WISCOM 800 trunking system talk groups
• The conventional analog VHF overlay provides users interoperability options to communicate with dispatch centers throughout the state, and can be patched into WISCOM 800 talkgroups to provide interoperability with WISCOM 800 trunking users
• WISCOM 800 is NOT restricted to L3Harris subscriber equipment. Any radio that is 7/800 MHz and Phase 2 capable, and currently approved for use on WISCOM will be authorized for use on WISCOM 800, radios outside of that list will not be certified until Region 1 system rollout has occurred. Currently approved equipment may be viewed here:  WISCOM certified subscriber units

Why 700/800 MHz?

With the exponential increase in consumer wireless technology, 700/800 MHz has been chosen for the next generation WISCOM 800 system in the interest of reducing detrimental interference and improving spectral availability. The 700/800 MHz band also has the additional advantage of increased building penetration.

Why P25 Phase 2?

Originally integrated into the P25 standard in 2011, Phase 2 P25 leverages time division frequency multiple access (TDMA), to increase spectral efficiency while effectively doubling available talk paths. 

What does my agency need to utilize the new WISCOM 800?

Compatible subscriber units (mobiles, portables or base stations) will need to be capable of the following:

• Minimal Features (for interoperability use)
• 700/800 MHz band operation
• P25 Phase 1 capability
• Recommended Features (for daily use, and full access to the VHF conventional overlay and future interop capabilities)
• VHF and 700/800 MHz multiband capability
• P25 Phase 2 capability
  AES multikey encryption capability

Grant Opportunities

The intent of these grants is to assist local government agencies with purchasing radios and equipment needed to transition operations from the existing VHF WISCOM system to the new 7/800 MHz WISCOM system. Additional details on how to apply, eligibility, and specific allowable expenses are included in the Grant Announcements and OEC Grant Guide linked below.

The Grant Announcements can be found on the OEC website at: 

Due January 9, 2025: https://oec.wi.gov/wp-content/library/2024/FY25-Daily-Use-Radio-Grant-Announcement.pdf

Due January 9, 2025: https://oec.wi.gov/wp-content/library/2024/FY25-Interoperable-Radio-Grant-Announcement.pdf

For more information about the grant program, please see the OEC Grant Guide:  FY25 OEC Grant Guidance 

Future grant opportunities will be contingent on the biennial budget; as information becomes available, it will be shared on this page.

The WISCOM 800 Implementation Team is Currently Focused On:

• Southeast region tower and dispatch center visits to determine site readiness and address remediation needs. 
• Preparations for the Southeast region detailed design review.

Interested in joining WISCOM or WISCOM 800 or learning more about it? Please send an email to  Interop@widma.gov with some basic information about your agency needs to get the conversation started.