Commissioners to consider Starlink proposal to erase dead zones for Walla Walla County deputies

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday at 10:15 a.m. to consider a proposal from Technology Services Director Chad Goodhue to equip sheriff’s deputy patrol vehicles with Starlink satellite internet terminals.

The proposal aims to eliminate long-standing communication gaps in rural areas where cellular and radio coverage are often non-existent. According to the proposal, Starlink will provide constant connectivity for mobile data terminals and enable Wi-Fi calling, which Goodhue says is essential for officer safety and operational efficiency.

The initial investment is estimated at $43,519.29, covering hardware and specialized mounts for Ford F-150 and Explorer patrol units. Installation is expected to take up to 10 hours per vehicle. While the total first-year cost reaches $77,218.10, the county plans to offset this by switching its cellular provider from Verizon to T-Mobile.

By moving to T-Mobile, the county anticipates an annual savings of $12,668.04, reducing the net first-year cost of the Starlink rollout to $64,511.06. Future plans for the technology include expanding “Radio over IP” capabilities to ensure deputies remain in contact with dispatchers even in the county’s deepest “dead zones”.

Goodhue notes in the proposal submitted to the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners that while the sheriff’s office is the immediate priority, the infrastructure could eventually benefit other departments, such as Public Works and Environmental Health, that require reliable field access in underserved regions.

Photo via WWCSO shows patrol vehicle with Starlink mini unit (white box behind emergency light bar)

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Elkhorn Media Group