Your choice for cell phone service and radio equipment in the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek and the Southern Alberta area

A fixture in the community of Sparwood since 1975, SparComm has evolved from a consumer electronics repair shop into a supplier of industrial electronics, and radio and repeater systems for the mining, forestry and oil and gas industries.

As radio technology continues to change, owner Karl Ehler and his employees are dedicated to providing the superior customer service and expertise that has made the company so successful.

SparComm specializes in industrial electronic equipment, including computers and wireless infrastructure, radio communication, repeater systems, two-way radios, GPS, cellular and satellite phones and accessories.

We deal in all the major communication brands: Kenwood, Iridium, Pelican, Telus, Cisco Systems, and Icom.

Proudly serving the East Kootenay area and Southern Alberta—including Lethbridge, SparComm is the local expert for all your communication needs.

Call for more information about cellular and radio equipment in Southern Alberta:

If you need electronic repairs, Telus Mobility service or radio communications equipment, give us a call at 250-425-2242.

Five-star customer reviews for SparComm near Southern Alberta:

“Great staff, nice selection of chargers, cables, and cases!” ~ Clayton, Google reviewer

“Very helpful, great people to work with.” ~ Anthony, Google reviewer

“Fantastic customer service, great selection.” ~ J., Google reviewer

What is the difference between the digital and analog radio communication systems offered by SparComm?

Analog radio communication has been around for a long time. First introduced back in the 1930s for business applications, analog is easy to use and install. Digital systems are quickly gaining in popularity due to their reliability, superior voice quality, and enhanced range and coverage. Here’s a brief rundown on the pros and cons of each system:

Analog

Pros:

• Lots of accessories and add-ons available for these systems
• Affordable
• Productive use of bandwidth

Cons:

• In most cases, you can have only one two-way conversation going on at any given time using the same channel
• Once maximum range is reached, sound quality is severely limited
• Audio-only communication

Digital

Pros:

• Multiple conversations can take place on one channel with superior audio quality
• Audio and data capabilities, such as GPS coordinates, pictures and video
• Both existing infrastructure and antenna systems can be used for transmitting digital signals
• Many new software applications available
• Digital platforms enable you to use both digital and analog radios simultaneously

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve to operate
• More expensive than analog systems

What types of Southern Alberta industries require the use of radio communication systems?

Some of the top employers in the region are companies involved in the mining industry and the oil and gas sectors. Reliable radio communication systems are crucial in the operation of these companies as they often utilize specialized teams of workers who need a dependable method to contact each other.

Stationary, handheld or mobile 2-way radio? Which radio communication system is the best option for my Southern Alberta business?

As specialists in radio communications, repeater systems and industrial electronics, the staff at SparComm have the knowledge and know-how to set up your business with an appropriate radio system.

There are three main types of radio communication systems—stationary, mobile and handheld. They all function in the same way but are used differently depending on the application.

Stationary systems are permanently wired into power and have the greatest range of output—a 911 control room would generally have a radio system like this. A mobile radio is one that is mounted in a vehicle or mobile heavy equipment and has less power output and range. Handheld radios are exactly that—small, handheld and portable radios that have the least power output and range.

In order to increase the output distance from any type of radio communication device, a repeater system can be installed. Usually mounted on a hilltop or high building, the repeater will amplify the radio signals from a low-output device, such a handheld radio, and rebroadcast the signal at a much higher output and distance.

Our expertise, experience and knowledge are second-to-none at SparComm. Come see us for all your radio communication needs.

Does SparComm carry satellite phones and cell phones servicing Southern Alberta?

SparComm is a Telus Cellular Retail Outlet, able to provide you with the latest smartphones on the market. Our qualified staff can also offer cell phone repairs.

Cell phones take a lot of abuse, so it makes sense to invest in quality protection for your device.

At SparComm, we have a large selection of durable cases, cords and cables to choose from for all major brands and devices. Find military-grade, shock-resistant cases; styles that are waterproof, dustproof and crushproof; and cases that feature scratch-resistant screen protection.

Satellite phones

For employees who work in remote locations or isolated areas, a satellite phone beats a cell phone in terms of safety and reaching help in the event of an emergency. Unlike cell phones, which rely on land-based towers and networks to operate, satellite phones transmit signals via satellites orbiting the earth. Many emergency responders rely on satellite phones because they allow for communication even during power outages, which often shut down land-based communications.

See us at SparComm in Sparwood for a comprehensive selection of satellite phones to choose from.

Products and services offered by SparComm in Southern Alberta:

• Industrial electronics
• Voice and data radios
• Heavy-equipment installations
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Cell phones, satellite phones
• Cellular phone accessories
• Repeater systems
• Sales, service, rentals and leasing electronic equipment