Kern County encompasses more than 8000 square miles of valley lowlands, expansive high desert and dividing mountain ranges. From 206 feet above sea level on the valley floor to 8755 feet at Sawmill Mountain, Kern County is larger than the states of Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut combined!

These facts are important when tackling the task of providing effective telecommunications to County Government. The ability to stand in Lost Hills and clearly communicate with someone in Boron is paramount to the job.

Two-way radio and microwave communications are key components in government communications. As a matter of fact, County Fire and Sheriff departments rely heavily on radio communication to protect and serve residents throughout the county. In addition to public safety, other county departments as well as city, state and federal agencies utilize two-way as a secure, inter-jurisdictional mode of communication.

While telephone voice and data systems play a significant role in the County's day-to-day operations, such systems are vulnerable to disruptive natural and man-made disasters. The Communications division has long recognized the value of two-way and microwave radio communications in bypassing land-line systems.

The County microwave system is monitored 24 x 7 and is virtually "telephone cable by radio". The system is capable of carrying hundreds of circuits between dozens of locations. It also links together dozens of mountaintop radio sites - enabling countywide radio coverage.

Our goal is to keep Kern County connected, and with more than sixty years of experience under our belt we plan to do just that!