[Satellite Today 09-12-08] The California State Office of Emergency Services (CA-OES) has established the Western Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (W-SMART) operating on the Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) satellite communications network.  
    With the activation of W-SMART, MSV now provides regional talkgroups extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean enabling and facilitating interoperable communications designed specifically for public safety and public service organizations.
    MSV said that MW-SMART is the seventh in a planned network of nine inter-connected and regionally-focused talkgroups.
CA-OES said it will manage, provide monitoring, and approve participation in W-SMART by federal, state, tribal, and local public safety agencies – as well as appropriate private sector users with a public safety mission – located throughout the western U.S. states.