In about 2004 there was a solid plan to develop a statewide trunked radio system using statewide VHF-Hi frequencies from each of the State VHF Agencies (DOJ, OES, DFG, CDF, DWR) and frequencies from the then-new 700 MHz spectrum. Every state agency was on board with it, except CHP - who (because of their size) killed the plan and went around the State Planning Committee to the Legislature for $500M for the "Three Year" CHPERS project. The reason CHP objected was "We have to cover everywhere in the state." Never mind that the other 5 agencies also have top cover "everywhere in the state" and were doing it just fine. As a result, we saw the CHP VHF-Lowband refresh (which still doesn't work everywhere).
The 6 sites in the San Joaquin Valley have started construction (last fiscal year's monies). You don't build a 153,000 square mile system in one phase. You work with those who have the coverage density you need in the urban areas, and then fill in with State infrastructure in the remainder. To that end, the State is actively communicating with the existing Regional system operators about networking (and bringing additional sites and channels to their parties).
As to CalFIRE "leaving VHF" - not for active firefighting, no (VHF will be the benchmark for Wildland firefighting for the foreseeable future) - but consider admin traffic, AVL and Travel usage.
The 6 sites in the San Joaquin Valley have started construction (last fiscal year's monies). You don't build a 153,000 square mile system in one phase. You work with those who have the coverage density you need in the urban areas, and then fill in with State infrastructure in the remainder. To that end, the State is actively communicating with the existing Regional system operators about networking (and bringing additional sites and channels to their parties).
As to CalFIRE "leaving VHF" - not for active firefighting, no (VHF will be the benchmark for Wildland firefighting for the foreseeable future) - but consider admin traffic, AVL and Travel usage.