Examiner

A new mobile radio system purchased collectively by Baltimore region governments will be on hand to assist communications during President-elect Barack Obama’s appearance Saturday in Baltimore, officials said.

Officials, including Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Annapolis Mayor Mary Ellen Moyer, unveiled the system Monday and exchanged codes that will connect central Maryland jurisdictions’ radio frequencies.

Ulman said the $600,000 system — which has a 50-foot, retractable, weather-resistant tower — will help emergency workers avoid “can you hear me now” moments on cell phones in dead zones.