State Rep. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, recently announced his intent to file legislation to modernize the state’s structure for radio and telecommunications infrastructure in the coming 2021 legislative session.
“Recent ice storms that left hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans without power are just the latest example of why we must have an updated and reliable statewide telecommunications system for first responders,” Frix said.
Rep. Frix went on to say they often are fighting the conditions with “outdated, and oftentimes, unsupported systems.”
Frix spent the interim visiting with stakeholders from across the state including sheriffs, police departments, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Department of Emergency Management.
Rep. Frix said he intends to include all stakeholders in the conversation but also will work closely with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to develop and facilitate this statewide telecommunications network.
The state legislator said he intends to file a bill early during the filing period but will continue working with interested parties throughout session to ensure the final legislation is something that will work for all first responders and that will best protect all Oklahomans.
Source: OK House