Installing a BDA system in your building to support reliable public safety radio coverage is just the start.
What matters most is that your in-building system performs when it counts: during an emergency, under inspection, and when first responders rely on it.
Many building owners don’t discover coverage gaps until a fire marshal flags them during an inspection, when time, cost, and compliance pressure are already high.
A professional signal walkthrough helps to remove that uncertainty.
During a signal walkthrough, you'll gain clear visibility into how well public safety radio coverage performs throughout your building, before it becomes a compliance issue.
You'll get a signal strength report that is mapped using the floor plan with visual PASS/FAIL grids, making it easy to identify gaps, prioritize fixes, and move forward with confidence.
It also documents applicable fire codes and AHJ requirements, giving you a credible, inspection-ready deliverable you can confidently share with inspectors, stakeholders, and your internal team.
SCHEDULE YOUR SIGNAL WALKTHROUGH
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the latest Castle Rock Microwave Breakfast Club.
It was great to see so many familiar faces and spend the morning catching up over coffee and conversation.
We always appreciate the chance to connect with our partners, customers, and industry friends.
If you couldn’t make this one, we hope to see you at the next Breakfast Club in June!
We’re excited to welcome Joe Kramer to the Castle Rock Microwave team as our newest Account Executive.
Joe brings more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, with a strong background in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, private 4G LTE and 5G networks, storage, and unified communications.
Over the course of his career, he has helped organizations design and implement secure, reliable IT solutions that support both growth and long-term operational stability.
We’re excited to have Joe on board and look forward to the expertise and perspective he brings to our customers and partners.
We're excited to be named Zetron’s 2026 Top LMR Partner!
LMR systems aren’t something you can afford to have “mostly” work. When a call goes out, it has to go through every time.
This is why the equipment, along with the design, installation, and performance of your system, matters.
Always look for a partner who stays engaged after the install, helping you troubleshoot, adapt, and keep you operating at the level you expect.
We’re grateful for the recognition, Zetron!
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
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Looking for more great industry content?
Review past newsletters for reliability lessons, project wins, and learn how Castle Rock Microwave keeps mission-critical networks online.
We’re kicking off our first Breakfast Club of 2026, and you’re invited!
Join us at Castle Rock Microwave for a relaxed morning of hot coffee, a light breakfast, and great conversation with industry peers.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 8:00 – 9:30 AM
We’d love to see you there.
Limited space is available - save your spot today!
The Castle Rock Microwave team will be at IWCE in Las Vegas next month, connecting with peers and partners across critical communications and public safety infrastructure.
IWCE brings together leading organizations shaping the future of this industry, including the Safer Buildings Coalition and many others.
If you’ll be attending and would like to connect, let us know! We’re happy to coordinate time with Nick or Robert while they’re onsite.
We know that strong partnerships are built by aligned, energized teams.
When we take time to reconnect, sharpen our thinking, and strengthen collaboration across departments, it directly impacts how we show up on your projects, with clearer communication, stronger execution, and shared accountability.
That’s why our team recently stepped away from the day-to-day to spend a few days together on retreat.
It was a chance to reflect on what we accomplished last year and invest in the people who deliver for our customers every day.
We’re proud of this team and excited for what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
Installing a BDA system is only the beginning. It’s the continued operation that truly protects your building, your occupants, and your compliance standing.
Castle Rock Microwave provides comprehensive BDA management and lifecycle services, including ongoing monitoring, testing, documentation, and maintenance support. Our team can help you align with evolving code requirements, network changes, and real-world performance demands.
From initial deployment through long-term support, we treat BDAs as critical infrastructure, not one-time installs, delivering accountability, clarity, and confidence every step of the way.
Castle Rock Microwave is proud to be an Elite Partner with Cambium Networks, a global leader in wireless connectivity solutions.
Cambium’s single-network architecture and cloud-based management platform help streamline deployment, simplify oversight, and support evolving performance needs over time.
We value partnerships like this because they allow us to deliver well-supported, scalable wireless infrastructure backed by strong technical resources and a proven ecosystem.
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
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Looking for more great industry content?
Review past newsletters for reliability lessons, project wins, and learn how Castle Rock Microwave keeps mission-critical networks online.
Castle Rock Microwave is proud to host two back-to-back, in-person public safety training sessions next week, featuring Westell and PCTEL, Inc., an Amphenol Company.
With limited seats available, these hands-on classes offer a rare opportunity to deepen technical expertise, earn respected certifications, and gain real-world insight into ERCES and public safety system performance.
February 3–4, 2026: Westell Level 2 Hands-On ERCES Product Certification, featuring the next-generation CS45 BDA, with in-depth coverage of codes, compliance, system optimization, testing, and programming, earning certification through hands-on exercises and a written exam.
February 5, 2026: PCTEL Certified Public Safety Tester Training, focused on proper testing and validation of public safety communication systems.
Both sessions are co-located for convenience, with separate registration required.
Secure your spot before classes fill.
WESTELL REGISTRATION
PCTEL REGISTRATION
Castle Rock Microwave designs and deploys Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) systems that help public safety radios function reliably throughout buildings, from interior rooms and stairwells to critical command areas.
Our BDA solutions are engineered to meet fire code and AHJ requirements, prevent interference with nearby public safety systems, and provide dependable coverage when it matters most, helping you stay compliant and prepared.
The following testimonial is from a Castle Rock Microwave project, where the benefits included:
Read the full case study here.
Castle Rock Microwave's Trusted Partner Network connects industry leaders to collaborate on advanced microwave and secure outdoor wireless projects, leveraging shared expertise and resources for innovation and mutual success.
Position yourself as a trusted solution provider by delivering secure outdoor wireless systems backed by proven technology and expertise. The Trusted Partner Network helps you save time, expand capabilities, unlock new revenue opportunities, and deliver successful projects that keep customers coming back.
Joining Castle Rock Microwave's Trusted Partner Network means belonging to a community that delivers exceptional results and drives growth.
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
*Know someone who would find this newsletter helpful? Forward it along, and let them know they can sign up to receive it here.
Looking for more great industry content?
Review past newsletters for reliability lessons, project wins, and learn how Castle Rock Microwave keeps mission-critical networks online.
As we close out the year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the trust you place in our team.
The work you do, whether it’s strengthening public safety, keeping critical infrastructure online, or serving your communities, matters deeply. It’s a privilege to support you in that mission.
This season is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the partnerships that make a real difference. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you, solve challenges together, and help carry some of the load. We don’t take that responsibility lightly.
Wishing you and your teams a holiday season filled with rest, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Brett Bonomo, CEO | Castle Rock Microwave
As part of Castle Rock Microwave’s proven 3DS Process, the Deployment phase transforms your engineered design into a complete, operational reality.
Our team handles the details, from tower construction and FCC coordination to hardware purchasing, system configuration, and on-site installation.
The result? A turnkey deployment that reduces your workload, accelerates timelines, and allows your network to be delivered right the first time.
Deployment is more than installation. It’s your design brought to life with precision, accountability, and end-to-end support.
KEEP YOUR TEAM MISSION-READY WITH OUR 3DS PROCESS
This month, Castle Rock Microwave had the privilege of hosting members of the BNSF Telecom team for several days of collaboration, networking, and hands-on time in our lab.
The visit included productive technical discussions, valuable relationship-building, and an opportunity for both teams to connect around shared priorities for reliable, resilient rail communications.
Events like this strengthen alignment, deepen partnership, and help ensure we’re delivering the right solutions for customers like you.
Diga-Talk is becoming a valuable option for customers who need reliable communication for non-emergency personnel without the cost or complexity of mission-critical radio systems.
It delivers clear voice communication, easy device management, and flexible scalability, making it ideal for public works, facilities, utilities, campuses, and support teams.
By integrating Diga-Talk, organizations can reduce congestion on their primary radio systems, reserve mission-critical channels for emergency responders, and modernize communications in a budget-friendly way.
It’s a smart, efficient complement to the high-reliability networks Castle Rock Microwave designs and supports.
Interested in whether Diga-Talk is a good fit for your team?
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) needed better in-building radio signal coverage to meet safety standards and support first responder communication.
Our team at Castle Rock Microwave partnered with DCSD and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to install a customized BDA/DAS system, improving coverage across multiple schools.
Key Results:
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
*Know someone who would find this newsletter helpful? Forward it along, and let them know they can sign up to receive it here.
Looking for more great industry content?
Review past newsletters for reliability lessons, project wins, and learn how Castle Rock Microwave keeps mission-critical networks online.
As we head into Thanksgiving, we're reflecting on what we’re most grateful for: the customers, partners, and communities who trust us with their mission-critical communications every single day.
Whether we’re supporting a county upgrading critical communications, helping a utility strengthen network resilience, or collaborating with partners across the region, we don’t take that trust lightly.
This season reminds us that the work we do matters because of the people we do it with. Thank you for your partnership, your collaboration, and your commitment to building stronger, safer, more connected communities.
In the Design phase of our 3DS Process, we bring your vision to life through comprehensive RF planning and network design, equipment selection, and fiber backhaul definition and drawings.
Ready to work with a team that can apply this proven process to your critical communication network?
Thanks to customers like Jeff, we’re reminded why we do what we do. At Castle Rock Microwave, we’re deeply grateful for the trust our partners place in us, whether we’re designing resilient networks, troubleshooting in the field, or simply lending a hand when it’s needed most.
Your mission inspires ours, and we’re thankful for every opportunity to help keep communities connected and safe.
This season, we’re especially thankful for Sheila Howell, whose leadership, dedication, and vision continue to shape the future of Castle Rock Microwave.
We’re proud to announce Sheila’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Over the years, Sheila has been instrumental in building strong partnerships, streamlining operations, and ensuring that our team delivers the reliability and excellence our customers count on every day.
Please join us in celebrating Sheila’s well-deserved promotion, and in thanking her for the countless ways she leads with integrity, collaboration, and care.
Congratulations, Sheila. We’re grateful for you!
Solutions from trusted partners, such as Aviat and Cambium Networks, provide reliable communication for essential networks across water, utilities, and railroad applications.
Narrowband remains ideal for long-distance, low-data applications, such as control signals and alarms. But as sites integrate cameras, sensors, and advanced analytics, bandwidth demands are rising, driving a shift toward broadband and fixed wireless solutions.
If your organization is exploring ways to support these new applications without compromising reliability, our team can help design the right solution for your environment.
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
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Every successful network begins with Discovery, the first step in Castle Rock Microwave’s proven 3DS process (Discover • Design • Deploy • Support).
Before a single tower is built or a radio is installed, our team dives deep to understand your unique challenges, goals, and environment.
Through path studies, site surveys, coverage maps, and feasibility analysis, we help you identify what’s possible (and what’s practical) so your project launches with clarity and confidence.
Rio Blanco County needed to expand and optimize its broadband network to provide reliable connectivity in rural areas, and we were more than happy to help!
To achieve their goal, we installed microwave and fiber equipment to enhance infrastructure and extend service reach to underserved communities.
The project resulted in significant cost savings and was completed ahead of schedule.
We are excited to share that Chase Vaughn has been promoted to Apprentice ISME.
In this role, Chase will continue to support customers as part of our Operations Team, both in the office and out in the field.
Chase’s dedication helps ensure your networks are implemented with the expertise, attention to detail, and long-term performance you’ve come to expect from us.
Congratulations, Chase! Your commitment to excellence continues to raise the bar for our entire team.
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for October’s Breakfast Club! We loved hearing how collaboration, innovation, and a strong cup of coffee are helping advance networks and communities across the region.
Until next time, stay connected, and stay hungry for what’s next!
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Talk soon,
The Castle Rock Microwave Team
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Breakfast Club is BACK!
We’ve got our next Breakfast Club coming up on October 22.
Join us for some coffee, delicious eats, and great conversation! Mark your calendars.
We hope to see you there. Space is limited.
Thanks for Joining the Conversation at Tech Lunch 2025
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us on Wednesday, September 17, for our 3rd annual Tech Lunch.
Special appreciation to Rob Menees from Alive Telecom for an engaging Q&A on how tariffs are shaping 2025 products and solutions, and to Jonathan Shawhart from Cambium Networks for a clear, practical look at running licensed and unlicensed 6 GHz in the same band.
We’re grateful to our partners, speakers, and all who attended for making this year a success.
Can’t wait to see you again next year!
The Town of Castle Rock gained peace of mind with fast installs, responsive support, and clear documentation that makes future planning easier.
Ready for the same confidence in your network?
Castle Rock Microwave was proud to sponsor a hole at this year’s Castle Rock Professional Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament.
The event brought together community members and local businesses to support the foundation’s mission of providing aid to firefighters and their families in times of need.
It was a great day on the course, with Brett Bonomo, Nick Bonomo, Matt Zeeb, and Boris Katsnelson joining the Castle Rock Microwave foursome.
We’re honored to support the Castle Rock Professional Firefighters Foundation and the important work they do.
This month's featured provider is Zetron.
Zetron’s dispatch and alerting systems integrate directly into the networks we design and support, helping first responders, utilities, and local governments stay connected when it matters most.
For our customers, this means fewer points of failure, smoother day-to-day operations, and confidence that their teams can communicate clearly in any situation.
Looking for more great industry content?
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
*Know someone who would find this newsletter helpful? Forward it along, and let them know they can sign up to receive it here.
On August 13, local leaders joined us in person for a powerful panel and Q&A about building safer, smarter streets.
City leaders and tech experts shared real-world wins from Colorado communities that have launched real-time crime centers and intelligent traffic systems.
From best practices to lessons learned, attendees walked away with clear, actionable steps for designing networks that can handle the demands of 2025 and beyond.
We wrapped it all up with great Q&A, a networking lunch, and hands-on tech demos.
A huge thank you to our panelists & speakers:
Check this newsletter & our LinkedIn for future event announcements!
When CORE Electric Cooperative needed to relocate a key tower site under tight deadlines and with multiple agencies relying on the connection, the challenge was clear: move fast, avoid downtime, and reduce costs.
With limited in-house resources, CORE partnered with Castle Rock Microwave to manage the project from start to finish.
The result? A smooth transition completed on time and within budget, lower lease costs, and improved year-round site access, helping CORE keep critical systems running reliably while saving money.
Read the full case study here.
Castle Rock Microwave is excited to share that Mike McDonough has been promoted to Lead Implementation Subject Matter Expert (ISME).
In this role, Mike will lead our ISME team in setting high implementation standards, mentoring new specialists, and ensuring every deployment runs smoothly.
For our customers, this means continued consistency, reliability, and quality across projects. Mike’s leadership helps ensure your networks are implemented with the expertise, attention to detail, and long-term performance you expect from Castle Rock Microwave.
Congrats, Mike!
The wireless backhaul equipment market is booming, projected to more than triple by 2031.
With the rise of 5G, IoT, smart cities, and rural broadband initiatives, demand for wireless backhaul equipment is surging. According to Allied Market Research, the global market is expected to soar from $31.9B in 2021 to $104.8B by 2031.
Source: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/wireless-backhaul-equipment-market
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Hear how cities like yours are making their streets safer and smarter with the right infrastructure.
On Wednesday, August 13, join us for a live panel discussion and hear firsthand how cities have successfully deployed real-time crime centers and intelligent traffic systems in their communities.
Here’s what you’ll get from this session:
✅ How local cities in Colorado launched real-time centers - how they did it & what they've learned
✅ Best practices for designing reliable, high-throughput networks that can keep up with 2025 and beyond
✅ Live Q&A with experts implementing these systems in their own communities
Preliminary agenda:
Stay for the whole event, or join us for as much as your schedule allows. Either way, you’ll leave with actionable insights.
Lunch is provided. Space is extremely limited.
Got questions about ERCES/BDA systems? Want to stay current on policies and best practices for in-building radio coverage for first responders?
Join us for an informative session where we’ll cover:
Thursday, June 26 | 11:00 am - 1:30 pm | South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial, CO
Connect with others in the field, learn something new, and get your questions answered.
Space is limited. Lunch will be provided.
*Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with our team.
A big thank you to all who joined us for our BDA Systems: Best Practices & Policies 2025 last month!
We discussed in-building radio coverage, how BDA and ERCES policies apply to fire departments and first responders, and answered your questions about in-building emergency responders’ radio enhancement systems in 2025.
At Castle Rock Microwave, we’re committed to building flexible, future-ready networks that meet your needs today and for years to come.
Thank you for trusting us with your mission.
Interested in exploring ways to improve your network? Reach out to our team.
At the PSCS Radio Summit, Vince Varga shared how public safety agencies can protect their macro radio networks and deliver reliable in-building coverage, so that first responders stay connected when it matters most.
Vince walked attendees through a collaborative policy initiative focused on bridging fire code requirements and license-holder oversight to ensure BDAs are designed, tested, and maintained without degrading system performance.
We’re committed to helping public safety agencies design and implement secure, scalable wireless systems and to advancing policies and best practices that protect mission-critical communications.
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
Castle Rock Microwave is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Aurora on the Aurora South Tower project, an initiative aimed at strengthening water and public safety communications in the southern part of the city.
The tower will be located in an area prioritized for infrastructure improvements. The city of Aurora identified the need for a more reliable communications network to maintain service quality and support public safety efforts.
Learn more about this important work here.
Got questions about ERCES/BDA systems? Want to stay current on policies and best practices for in-building radio coverage for first responders?
Join us for an informative session where we’ll cover:
Thursday, June 26 | 11:00 am - 1:30 pm | South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial, CO
Connect with others in the field, learn something new, and get your questions answered.
Space is limited. Lunch will be provided.
*Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with our team.
Keeping your students and staff safe means staying ahead of evolving safety regulations and communication standards.
That’s why Robert Vachris was at CASRO, connecting directly with school resource officers to understand their real-world challenges and priorities.
We’re not just selling solutions—we’re listening, learning, and helping you make informed decisions that strengthen school safety from the inside out.
Do you experience gaps in coverage in your school buildings? If so, get in touch with our team
Castle Rock Microwave was proud to be part of RSSI 2025, where leaders in rail and critical infrastructure came together to share ideas and innovations.
Andrew Scott connected with professionals like you, committed to building more reliable, scalable, and future-ready wireless networks. From network modernization to system resiliency, the conversations were focused on solving real challenges with practical solutions.
If you're exploring ways to improve connectivity across your rail operations or infrastructure, we're here to help. Let’s talk about what’s next for your network.
Whether you're experiencing networking issues, wondering how to maximize your return on technology investments, or have a question about growing leased-line circuit costs, reach out anytime.
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