*** The frequencies for this system are listed in the database for reference purposes only, primarily to aid those who come across those signals while searching the 800 MHz band, as well as to give those interested a sense of how the system is laid out. THERE ARE NO SCANNERS OR RECEIVERS THAT CAN MONITOR OPENSKY, with the obvious exception of a radio officially programmed on the system ***

The following state agencies are currently using the PA-STARNet OpenSky system either exclusively or in conjunction with legacy radio systems for voice and/or data traffic:

• Attorney General (OAG)
• Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR); VHF system linked to PA-STARNet. Click for database page.
• Corrections (DOC); Still primarily on UHF/VHF. Click for database page.
• Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). PEMA maintains a deployable cache of portable equipment on both UHF and VHF. Click here for database page.
• Environmental Protection (DEP); Some bureaus and offices still use the DCNR VHF network (see above).
• Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC); Some WCO's have been issued OpenSky equipment.  However, most WCO's continue to operate on county systems and/or PFBC lowband equipment.  Click here for database page.
• Game Commission (PGC); PGC is in the process of migrating to the PA-STARNET system for dispatch and operations. Lowband is still being utilized in some regions.  WCO's also continue to operate on county radio systems in some areas. Click here for database page.
• General Services (DGS) / Capitol Police
• Health (DOH)
• Homeland Security
• Inspector General
• Legislative House Security
• Legislative Senate Security
• Military & Veterans Affairs (DMVA) / PA National Guard (PNG)
• Probation & Parole
• Public Utility Commission (PUC)
• State Police (PSP); PSP still utilizes VHF as a back up option to the OpenSky system.  Click here for database page.
• Transportation (PennDOT)
• Turnpike Commission (PTC); Comms are still primarily on their VHF network. Click here for database page.

Non-state entities: 

• Area Transportation Authority (regional transit provider in Cameron, Clearfield, Jefferson, Elk, McKean, Potter Counties)
• FirstEnergy Corporation (used by field technicians of some subsidiary electric utilities in PA)
• Huntingdon Co. Sheriff's Office (used for dispatch and operations)
• Regional Counterterrorism Task Force Radio Caches (equipment distributed by PEMA for emergency response use)

System statistics as of January 2012:

• 986 operational tower and communications sites: 251 high-profile towers and 740 low-profile microcells
• 24,761 subscriber devices authorized for system use, logging an average of 130,365 calls (Push-to-Talks) daily
• Mobile radio coverage 97.3% statewide overall, with 96.8% of land mass covered; 63 of 67 counties meeting or exceeding the target of 95% coverage by county; all 67 counties at 90% or better
• $368 million cost to date

Conventional Channel Mode:

Portables and mobiles can be operated in a conventional mode that includes the nationwide 700MHz and 800MHz interop calling and tac frequencies in both repeated and simplex mode.  Also included are two statewide talkaround channels using 851.4375.  The frequency is used in either an analog mode with a 156.7 PL or in P25 digital mode with a $293 NAC.  PennDOT often uses the simplex channels for traffic control details.

Site Numbers

The Site Numbers listed here, for the purposes of organizing them in the database, are a combination of the county FIPS code plus the county site number on the FCC license.