Firefighters in CFAs District 17 now have access to clearer, high-quality dispatch communications during emergencies, following the roll-out of the new $66 million Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) in the region.

CFA District 17 Acting Operations Manager Trevor Ebbels said the switch to RRDS means local firefighters now have access to more reliable 24/7 communications and enhanced coverage when talking to Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority (ESTA) dispatch operators over the radio.

"The upgrade to the digital network has given us a whole new level of clarity to our communications," Mr Ebbels said.

"By talking directly to ESTA dispatch operators, brigades can save valuable time during emergencies, which improves safety for our members and the wider community."

Previously, approximately 45 per cent of CFAs rural brigades had no direct contact with ESTA and relied on base station operators to relay urgent incident messages. Until the changeover to RRDS, CFA crews in rural areas had to relay dispatch communications via a local group communications officer to give important information about the status of an incident and location of crews.

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the feedback from regional brigades had been overwhelmingly positive, and described the network as a new generation of high-quality digital dispatch capability across the state.

Under the service, members are benefiting from the clearer audio quality which is currently available to Victoria Police, MFB, Ambulance Victoria and our brigades in outer metropolitan Melbourne.

It will also reduce the need for group communications officers to support day-to-day dispatch communications activities. This role, however, will remain essential for incident management communications and these members will continue to maintain their skills through regular training and exercises.

The RRDS is a major upgrade of the states communications systems and is set to improve CFAs service delivery to Victorian communities.

All regional CFA districts, shown by number on the map, will be switched on to the new network by the end of the month.