FAQ

Comprehensive Communication Solutions was founded in January 2007 with a focus on improving mobile communications for first responders. Since then, CCS has expanded its products and capabilities to support public safety, emergency management, government, military, utilities, commercial organizations, and other customers throughout the United States and internationally.

Customers and applications can include law enforcement, fire and EMS, emergency management, government agencies, utilities, construction companies, transportation organizations, healthcare operations, event management, critical infrastructure, and commercial organizations.

MERC stands for Mobile Emergency Response Center, the name CCS uses for its mobile command center platform.

Rather than treating the command center simply as a vehicle or trailer, CCS designs the MERC as an integrated communications platform. The physical workspace, electrical systems, networking, radios, satellite equipment, cellular connectivity, surveillance, and other technology can be configured around the customer’s operational requirements.

Actual deployment time will depend on the equipment installed, site conditions, staffing, and communications systems being activated.

Both configurations have advantages.

A towable command center separates the command platform from the tow vehicle. This can provide additional flexibility because another compatible vehicle may be used if the primary tow vehicle becomes unavailable.

A drive-away command center combines the vehicle and command environment into one self-contained platform. This can simplify deployment when an organization wants personnel to get into the vehicle and respond without connecting and towing a separate trailer.

CCS can help evaluate workspace requirements, deployment frequency, available vehicles, storage, staffing, equipment, and mission requirements to determine which configuration makes the most sense.

Mobile command centers can be configured around the number of personnel, workstation requirements, communications systems, power needs, storage, conference space, surveillance equipment, radio systems, satellite connectivity, cellular networking, mast requirements, and other operational needs.mine which configuration makes the most sense.

Projects can range from replacing communications equipment or adding a pneumatic mast to more extensive interior, exterior, electrical, power, networking, and technology renovations.

Modernizing an existing unit can be a practical alternative when the vehicle or trailer remains structurally sound but its technology no longer meets current operational requirements.

Configurations can support applications such as Wi-Fi hotspots, video surveillance, CBRS/private LTE, cellular networking, and other wireless technologies.

CCS COW solutions can combine elevated antennas, cellular equipment, networking, independent power, and backhaul connectivity to support temporary field operations.

It depends on your mission and acceptable level of redundancy.

LTE, 5G, and FirstNet can provide excellent connectivity where service is available. However, emergencies can damage infrastructure, overwhelm local networks, or place response teams in areas with limited cellular coverage.

Satellite connectivity provides an additional communications path that does not depend entirely on local terrestrial infrastructure. For mission-critical operations, CCS can design systems that use cellular and satellite connectivity together rather than relying exclusively on one network.

Does CCS support LEO satellite systems such as Starlink and OneWeb?

Yes. CCS integrates LEO satellite connectivity into several mobile and portable platforms, including PERC systems and larger mobile command solutions.

Depending on the application, satellite connectivity can operate as the primary network connection, a backup connection, or part of a multi-network configuration incorporating LTE and 5G.

Yes. Depending on the router and system configuration, CCS can build solutions that support multiple SIMs, carriers, and available network connections.

This can improve flexibility in mobile environments because the strongest or most appropriate available connection may vary by location.

The exact failover capabilities depend on the router, satellite equipment, service plans, and system configuration. CCS can design redundancy around the operational requirements of the customer.
CCS can help evaluate workspace requirements, deployment frequency, available vehicles, storage, staffing, equipment, and mission requirements to determine which configuration makes the most sense.

Yes. CCS can integrate Wi-Fi networking into mobile command centers, PERC systems, Skymast platforms, COW units, and other deployable solutions.

The appropriate configuration depends on the required coverage area, number of users, available backhaul, security requirements, terrain, structures, and other site conditions.

Depending on the system, CCS can incorporate combinations of generator power, batteries, solar support, cellular connectivity, and satellite communications. The appropriate configuration depends on how long the system must operate, equipment power requirements, available cellular coverage, and the monitoring requirements of the project.

CCS can design the communications and networking portion of the system around the customer’s monitoring requirements and available infrastructure.

Yes. Air shelters can complement MERC and other CCS systems by expanding the usable workspace at a deployment.

Depending on the configuration, the command platform can support shelter operations with power, networking, communications, lighting, and other equipment.

The process starts with the mission rather than a predetermined equipment list.

CCS considers factors such as where the system will operate, how many people will use it, required communications platforms, available infrastructure, coverage area, power requirements, deployment time, transportation, network redundancy, existing equipment, and budget.

From there, CCS can recommend a configuration designed around those requirements.

If your organization already uses specific radios, routers, satellite equipment, networking platforms, surveillance systems, or other technology, CCS can evaluate how those systems may fit into the new platform.

Compatibility and integration requirements should be reviewed during the planning process.

Yes. Organizations evaluating a mobile command center, portable communications system, surveillance platform, satellite solution, or other CCS product can contact the team to discuss a demonstration or request a budgetary quote.

Because many CCS systems are configured around the customer’s requirements, discussing the intended application is often the best first step toward developing an accurate solution and budget.