“Contrary to conventional wisdom, the 2-way radio system is not only alive and well, but is growing worldwide,” said Ken Bye. As owner and operator of Radio Connections in South Moorhead, he explained that many businesses and industries throughout the world use Land Mobile Radio (LMR) as their primary means of communication, especially from a fixed location to mobile users (i.e. from a base site to a fleet of mobiles). Bye is in a good position to understand the dynamics of the industry as his company, Radio Connections, has been providing reliable sales and services in the local area for over 20 years.

Bye was born and raised on the farm that his great grandfather settled in 1879. The farmstead near the railway village of Rustad, MN is still in the family with his older brother living on the original site. After graduation from Moorhead High in the early 1980s, he spent the next two years exploring his options ranging from custom combining to working on an oil refinery in the state of Washington.

Both of his parents served in the military and the strong Bye family military service tradition led him to enlist in the Navy, serving four years as an Aviation Electrician. His mom served as a Wave and his dad served 20 years, including with the 179th Fighter Squadron, a unit of the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing.

With the military training and his electrician experience at a local company, it was time to take the next step in his career. With strong support from his wife Tina, Radio Connections was established at their kitchen table in 2001. Bye credits Dave Miller for the majority of the success of his new business. As a fellow radio technician, Miller offered his expertise to Bye, and they quickly became friends that has lasted over the years.

A Land Mobile Radio System (LMRS) is a wireless communications system intended for use by users in vehicles (mobiles) or on foot (portables). Because the more common methods of communication break down during weather related disaster or a security incident, the systems are used by emergency first responder organizations, public works organizations, or companies with large vehicle fleets. In addition, with the change from analog to digital, the land mobile radio market has become more accessible and less expensive.

The positive changes have allowed the industry to expand from public safety to include public transportation and public utilities. Therefore, Radio Connections’ major customers are agricultural-based, general contractors, and law enforcement of which the Clay County Sheriff department is a major account.

With a strong understanding and a rich experience in the industry, Radio Communications will be on the air for a long time.

Ken Bye

Radio Connections

1902 27th Street South

Moorhead, MN 56560

Shop: 218 287-4872

Cell: 701 261-6411