The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on X that the National Weather Service upgraded 44 additional sites to wireless, saving an estimated $160,000 per month on copper contracts, with about 300 sites remaining to be upgraded.
According to the National Weather Service, its NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network delivers continuous weather information directly from the nearest NWS office to the public and emergency managers. Many of these sites have historically relied on copper phone lines, a technology that can be both expensive and prone to failure in remote locations. Transitioning to wireless technology is a key part of a national effort to ensure timely, reliable alerts and enhance public safety.
As reported in the Department of Government Efficiency’s official X announcement, the National Weather Service recently upgraded 44 additional radio transmission sites to wireless technology. This transition is expected to save approximately $160,000 per month by eliminating recurring copper line contract costs. The department further indicated that about 300 sites are still awaiting similar upgrades.
In a previous update posted on X, DOGE said that 33 NWS sites had already been converted to wireless as of late June, resulting in an estimated $118,000 per month in additional savings. Photographs included in the update documented the new wireless radio equipment and the decommissioned copper line hardware prepared for retirement. Together, these ongoing upgrades are projected to generate millions of dollars in annual savings for the National Weather Service.
DOGE is a federal agency focused on optimizing government spending, reducing waste, and ensuring accountability in contract management. By reviewing expenditures and canceling non-essential contracts, DOGE aims to improve fiscal responsibility and enhance the effectiveness of public resource allocation.
