NTTA

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Motoballa

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A while ago I remember a thread that asked about either NTTA or TxDOT frequencies, can't remember but I do know for sure about NTTA.

They're now using FirstNet's PTT service with the Sonim XP8 phones. They have been for a while however they used to have a courtesy patrol frequency on VHF, to my knowledge that's now no longer in use as the trucks don't have radios installed anymore. I don't see it anywhere in the RR database either where it used to be.

Just an FYI.
 

jason51

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I find it interesting why any business owner would want to totally rely on the cell/LTE network for their business communications.
I would want mine to be on a local SMR system where the chances of system failure are a lot less? Just sayin!
 

mwjones

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NTTA Courtesy Patrol was on TeamConnect, but disappeared about the same time the Roadway Maintenance groups did (when they moved to FirstNet). TeamConnect, with the exception of the Denton tower is now gone across the Metroplex (planned shutdown as part of the 900MHz rebanding).

Other than saving costs on the radios vs. the subscription costs, it makes no sense to me why they wouldn't just be on the NCTCOG P25 system with DPS units.
 

Motoballa

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I find it interesting why any business owner would want to totally rely on the cell/LTE network for their business communications.
I would want mine to be on a local SMR system where the chances of system failure are a lot less? Just sayin!

I agree with you, and it really showed itself today why not 100% relying on cell/LTE is important. I use FirstNet service with my personal phone and haven't had any complaints with it, I came from T-Mobile and it's a really good improvement from my point of view, longer service coverage (since it's 700MHz) and a dedicated path with high speed hotspot (100+mbps up and down) fantastic..

Today however, was an exception. With this huge storm that came by, we lost power due to the rolling blackouts and what also happened is I guess the nearest tower that was FirstNet enabled also lost power, so I completely lost cell service until just now when they restored power. I'm located in Rowlett by Fire Station 4 on Rowlett Rd and Hickox Rd, so it's not like I'm far out in the middle of nowhere where towers are limited. There are towers everywhere here. I was able to hit a FirstNet tower in Garland but it was 1 bar and extremely spotty, this was while I was standing outside holding the phone up 6 foot in the air.

I could imagine that NTTA didn't really notice any effects from it since their units are on the highways which are generally above ground thus having LOS to towers, except for some parts of DNT where it goes underground. I'm curious to see how that impacted them today..
 

IAmSixNine

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Huh, well isnt that just odd. Who would have thunk it that first net, a system designed for public safety doesnt have their towers all running on battery or generators when the power goes out.
Is that because firstnet is using ATT towers to save money?
You mention Being able to hit a first net tower in Garland. So are they operating completely separated networks or a mix of their own towers and piggybacking on existing ATT sites?
 

Motoballa

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You mention Being able to hit a first net tower in Garland. So are they operating completely separated networks or a mix of their own towers and piggybacking on existing ATT sites?

I mentioned the first tower being FirstNet enabled, I meant that to carry on for the second one lol. To my knowledge they're adding FirstNet capabilities to their existing infrastructure, I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's what they're doing. One thing I dislike in this case is when I don't have band 14 service it would be nice if they could have it automatically affiliate with the next nearest available tower that doesn't have FirstNet capabilities. Thus, I still have service, even if its degraded since everyone else is also on the same tower sharing. Better than being left with nothing........right? I guess they don't think that :rolleyes:

Also, just spoke with a friend at NTTA and he said they did have communication problems this morning around 6 with users connecting to the system (unsure if he meant issues with cellular or issues with connecting to the PTT server to authenticate) either way, still definitely not a good thing to happen.
 

Stephen

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NTTA has made several very bad choices when it comes to communication. The first example was the older VHF system that DPS used to utilize, the repeaters were installed incorrectly and several sites were transmitting over power and this caused a big issue with over simulcasting. After several incidents that took place, DPS was pulled off that system. This was not a DPS error, but NTTA as NTTA was responsible for building this system for DPS. Then the various decisions that have been made for courtesy patrol, they can't seem to figure out a "best fit" for those personnel either and that has caused some issues. NTTA does not have the brightest running the ship.
 

KevinC

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NTTA has made several very bad choices when it comes to communication. The first example was the older VHF system that DPS used to utilize, the repeaters were installed incorrectly and several sites were transmitting over power and this caused a big issue with over simulcasting. After several incidents that took place, DPS was pulled off that system. This was not a DPS error, but NTTA as NTTA was responsible for building this system for DPS. Then the various decisions that have been made for courtesy patrol, they can't seem to figure out a "best fit" for those personnel either and that has caused some issues. NTTA does not have the brightest running the ship.

So they no longer use that gawd awful sounding VHF simulcast?
 

Russell

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I just reread this thread. With regard to the towers going down. We lost a data centers, etc. in Texas during the freeze that had generator backup. The problem in February was that the temps were so cold that the diesel fuel in the tanks actually GELLED. Apparently, Texans did not know what every Northerner knows "Diesel fuels gels in the freezing temps!!!" There are additives that can lower the gel point significantly, but we didn't think of that either.
 

KevinC

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Which area? I have both the VHF and UHF in mine and don't hear anything on bush, maybe it's only some of the areas?

It's the VHF (151.130). I can hear it around 75 and the PGBT but it's a little noisy. It got better further south on 75. I had it pretty solid around 635 and the DNT.
 

Motoballa

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It's the VHF (151.130). I can hear it around 75 and the PGBT but it's a little noisy. It got better further south on 75. I had it pretty solid around 635 and the DNT.
After my post I went and checked PGBT/Firewheel area and heard nothing, next time I go into work I'll give it a listen and see. Surprised it hasn't burnt itself out lol.
 

KevinC

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After my post I went and checked PGBT/Firewheel area and heard nothing, next time I go into work I'll give it a listen and see. Surprised it hasn't burnt itself out lol.

Took a different route back to the hotel this afternoon. The source is either north or west of the DNT and PGBT.
 

KevinC

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Found it! Looking for some 700 MHz interference today afforded me the opportunity to track this down as well. It's on the DNT northbound entrance ramp just past Spring Creek.

Pic from Google maps...

1636052752719.png
 
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