Denver City Council approves airport radio encryption contracts

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Denver City Council approved two contracts on Nov. 2, 2026, worth $9.66 million, to upgrade radio encryption at Denver International Airport. The contracts with Dailey and Wells Communications cover L3Harris radio hardware, software, and support through 2028, including a one-time purchase to implement modern encryption and over-the-air rekeying.

The upgrade replaces aging systems that may be vulnerable to eavesdropping and allows encryption keys to be changed remotely. It is part of a broader security modernization at DEN, which includes replacing the airport's physical access control system. A separate $1.12 million Oracle software purchase is pending council approval and is needed for the radio system to integrate with airport databases.

Why it matters

Secure radio communications are essential for airport operations and emergency response; this upgrade aims to prevent unauthorized listeners and improve coordination.

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Key Indicators

$9.66M

Total approved for radio encryption and support

Combined value of the two contracts with Dailey and Wells Communications.

$6.66M

One-time encryption implementation

Covers hardware, software, and technical support to implement modern encryption and over-the-air rekeying.

$3M

Master purchase order for ongoing support

Provides maintenance and support for L3Harris radio equipment through 2028.

$1.12M

Pending Oracle software licensing

Separate purchase order for 2027 Oracle software licensing, contingent on council approval.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Phil Washington

CEO of Denver International Airport

Leading airport security modernization efforts

Organizations Involved

Denver City Council

Municipal legislative body

Approved the radio encryption contracts

The legislative body of Denver, Colorado, responsible for approving city contracts and budgets.

Denver International Airport

Municipal airport

Upgrading radio encryption and security systems

One of the busiest airports in the world, located in Denver, Colorado.

Dailey and Wells Communications

Radio communications vendor

Contracted to supply L3Harris radio equipment and support

A communications equipment vendor that provides radio systems and support.

L3Harris Technologies

Defense contractor

Supplying radio hardware and software for the upgrade

An American defense contractor and technology company that produces radio communications systems.

Oracle America, Inc.

Technology company

Pending contract for software licensing

A subsidiary of Oracle Corporation that provides enterprise software and cloud services.

Timeline

1 event Latest: November 2nd, 2026 · 1 week ago

November 2026
Denver City Council approves radio encryption contracts
Latest Government

Council passed resolutions approving $9.66 million in contracts with Dailey and Wells Communications for L3Harris radio encryption and support at Denver International Airport.
November 2nd, 2026

Scenarios

DEN completes radio encryption upgrade by 2028

Likely Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: Denver City Council, airport officials

The contracts run through 2028, and the airport plans to implement encryption and over-the-air rekeying across its radio fleet. If the project stays on schedule, all airport radios will use modern encryption by the end of 2028, improving security and allowing remote key changes.

Upgrade delayed beyond 2028 due to technical or budget issues

Possible Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: City Council budget analysts

Large-scale radio upgrades often face technical hurdles, supply chain delays, or budget overruns. If the project falls behind, the airport may need to extend contracts or request additional funds, pushing full encryption past 2028.

Council rejects Oracle purchase, causing integration delays

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: City Council members, airport IT staff

The Oracle software licensing purchase is pending council approval. If rejected, the radio system may not integrate properly with airport databases, delaying the encryption rollout until an alternative is found.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

July 2004

9/11 Commission Report (2004)

The 9/11 Commission found that first responders lacked interoperable radio communications during the September 11 attacks. The report recommended a national plan to improve radio interoperability for emergency responders.

Then

Congress and federal agencies pushed for standards like Project 25, which defines digital radio communications for public safety.

Now

FirstNet was created in 2012 to provide a nationwide broadband network for first responders, but radio interoperability remains a work in progress.

Why this matters now

The Denver airport upgrade follows similar goals: ensuring secure, reliable radio communications for emergency responders. Modern encryption and over-the-air rekeying help protect those communications from eavesdropping.