Complied List of Jurisdictions Planning New Radio Systems

[maus92]

I decided to devote this morning to figuring out Calvert County's licensing labyrinth. This is the latest:

The legacy 5-site system WPFN680 has five freqs:
851.9125, 852.1375, 852.1875, 852.250, 853.350.

The existing five sites:

1. Dunkirk - Town Center Blvd
2. Sunderland - Pushaw Station Rd
3. Prince Frederick - Stafford Rd - Calvert County Jail
4. Port Republic - Broomes Island Rd
5. Lusby - Sweetwater Rd - Landfill

****

The new system is a 15-site system that will have 10 new tower sites, and replace five towers at the existing sites. The system has 12 new freqs:
854.6125, 854.6375, 856.0375, 857.0875, 857.1375, 857.6375, 858.1375, 858.5125, 858.5625, 859.1125, 859.5125, 859.5625.

The 10 new sites are licenced in two groups of five:
WQZV623:

1. Prince Frederick - Hallowing Point Rd - SHA
2. St. Leonard - Calvert Beach Rd - VFD - WT
3. Chesapeake Beach - Waterford Way WT
4. Lusby - Olivet Rd - Patuxent HS
5. Lusby - Calvert Cliffs Pwky - NPP

WQXY863:

1. Lusby - MD 2/4 - North Calvert Cliffs SHA tower
2. Prince Frederick - Cassell Rd WT
3. Huntington - Old Town Rd - VFD
4. Huntingtown - Emmanuel Chrch Rd - Power lines
5. North Beach - Dark Star Ln WT

The new towers at the existing sites have a new licence for the 12 new frequencies:
WQTP882.

The two new licences issued earlier this month, WRBX697 and WRBX714 are for two additional site freqs for the 10 new towers: 852.1875 and 852.250. Note that these two frequencies already exist on the current system. Perhaps they will aid in the cutover process? IDK.

There were a number of cancelled licences associated with the new system, so maybe there were interference or other design issues that drove that outcome. Again, IDK.

Some documentation submitted to the FCC suggest that at least some sites are up and transmitting, so someone in Calvert might want to verify this. If the wx is bad this week, I might take a roadtrip.

Some updates/corrections:

The Waterford Way WT site is actually closer to North Beach.
The Dark Star Lane WT site is in Chesapeake Beach, not North Beach.

The Waterford Way WT site does not appear to be on the air as of last week.
The Lusby-Patuxent HS area tower does not appear to be constructed as of yet.
The Lusby-Calvert Cliffs NPP site does not appear to be constructed as of yet (although there is an existing tower.)

 

[maus92]

In May 2018, Somerset County approved $3.9M for a Emergency Services Radio System upgrade. I can't find any other details atm. Either FiRST or Harris methinks. Depending on the subscribers that they current possess, sticking with Harris make the migration a bit easier. OTOH, if they are using an independent consultant, that opens up the competition somewhat. OC essentially used a Harris vendor as a consultant when developing their new system, and they ended up with a Harris system. FiRST might make more sense for a smaller jurisdiction like Somerset, particularly when the Crisfield ASR comes online in the future.

 

[emtLarmy15]

Not FiRST

 

[maus92]

Not FiRST

OK, need more intel. Do you know who was awarded, or who is in consideration? Any documentation?

 

[WNZT398]

In May 2018, Somerset County approved $3.9M for a Emergency Services Radio System upgrade. I can't find any other details atm. Either FiRST or Harris methinks. Depending on the subscribers that they current possess, sticking with Harris make the migration a bit easier. OTOH, if they are using an independent consultant, that opens up the competition somewhat. OC essentially used a Harris vendor as a consultant when developing their new system, and they ended up with a Harris system. FiRST might make more sense for a smaller jurisdiction like Somerset, particularly when the Crisfield ASR comes online in the future.

If they reported that the approved funding was for "UPGRADE", it might be a Harris system because they currently operate a Harris EDACS System with Harris Radios. Most anything other would be a replacement not upgrade.

 

[maus92]

If they reported that the approved funding was for "UPGRADE", it might be a Harris system because they currently operate a Harris EDACS System with Harris Radios. Most anything other would be a replacement not upgrade.

There was one sentence (actually part of a sentence) in minutes of a Board of Commissioners public hearing::

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY
MAY 15, 2018
PUBLIC HEARING
At 7:00 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the County Commissioners Office, Commissioner President Randy Laird declared a Public Hearing open regarding Somerset County’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2019.


"Mr. Adkins continued, advising that $14.8 million in Capital Projects were approved, including $4.95 million for the Hiker/Biker Trail, $3.7 million for school construction, and $3.9 million for the Emergency Services Radio System."

Unclear if it is a replacement or upgrade. The county currently has a 2 site EDACs simulcast system.

 

[troymail]

Google found this -- Worcester County agenda items from April:

Somerset County Request to Piggyback Harris Contract for P25 Radio System


https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/play/04172018-647

EDIT: Listening to the video, it sounds like the agenda item was "pulled" before the meeting....

 

[maus92]

Google found this -- Worcester County agenda items from April:

Somerset County Request to Piggyback Harris Contract for P25 Radio System


https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/play/04172018-647

EDIT: Listening to the video, it sounds like the agenda item was "pulled" before the meeting....

The dates seem to line up though. Perhaps it was considered in a later meeting. Good find.

 

[maus92]

Howard County is wrapping up its $30M infrastructure upgrade to their 10-site 15 channel 800mhz radio system. They have replaced antennas, backup generators, UPSs and installed fiber to all of their sites. Interestingly, they replaced the Motorola Astro 3.0 core with a Motorola "P25 Standard Core Platform" according to their FY19 capital budget, but it still runs a Motorola non-P25 control channel. Replacement of all of their older XTS subscribers should be completed in 2019. They did not build any new sites as part of upgrade project. My guess is they will probably switch over to Phase 1 or 2 at some point in the next year.

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

Somerset County is looking for bidders to work on three tower sites as part of the "Public Safety Radio System Upgrade."

State of Maryland - Bid Solicitation

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

Calvert County - Extended Implementation

Calvert County Maryland, is seeking authorization for an extended implementation schedule under rule section 90.629(a)(1) – the size and complexity of its system. The County is seeking a slow growth deadline of June 30, 2020. In 2014, Calvert initiated the process to replace its 1997 vintage 800 MHz system. During the detailed design phase of the project, it was determined that five (5) additional transmitter sites were required to provide coverage to all parts of the County. In March of 2017 those five (5) new sites were identified and designed as part of the system. It was determined that five additional sites would be required to provide the coverage required by the County bringing the total number of transmitter sites to fifteen (15). Of the ten (10) new sites, one (1) is an existing tower and an MOU between the County and the tower owner is under negotiation. The nine (9) remaining new sites have obtained FAA clearance, received Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) numbers. All nine sites are currently being constructed. Seven sites are fully constructed – utilities and structures in place; tower constructed. All that remains is the installation of the 800 MHz equipment. Two sites are making good progress and need only to install utilities and structures to house the equipment and finalize tower construction. Construction at all sites has been at a standstill due to the extreme winter weather and will not resume until spring. Resumption of construction is dependent upon the weather but is not reasonably anticipated until March at the earliest. All the new sites have completed site access negotiations and are in the permitting process which is anticipated to be complete by mid-2018. To accommodate the time needed to complete construction and installation on all fifteen sites and avoid unanticipated delays, the County is seeking an extended implementation schedule with a deadline of 6/30/2020. As it files the paperwork to accomplish the licensing of all components of the system, the County has sought and received an extended implementation schedule on previous authorizations. The attached application is to license the 800 MHz Mutual Aid frequencies at five (5) of the ten (10) additional transmitter sites. The following implementation schedule is provided: Contract Awarded May 2016 Required State and Federal Regulatory reviews and approvals pursued and obtained May 2016-June 2018 Tower Sites Constructed May 2016-December 2019 800 MHz Transmitters Deployed and Operational 6/30/2020



https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/...tachmentKey=20326029&attachmentInd=applAttach

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

I wonder if the timetable is still June 2020?

Calvert County - Extended Implementation

Calvert County Maryland, is seeking authorization for an extended implementation schedule under rule section 90.629(a)(1) – the size and complexity of its system. The County is seeking a slow growth deadline of June 30, 2020. In 2014, Calvert initiated the process to replace its 1997 vintage 800 MHz system. During the detailed design phase of the project, it was determined that five (5) additional transmitter sites were required to provide coverage to all parts of the County. In March of 2017 those five (5) new sites were identified and designed as part of the system. It was determined that five additional sites would be required to provide the coverage required by the County bringing the total number of transmitter sites to fifteen (15). Of the ten (10) new sites, one (1) is an existing tower and an MOU between the County and the tower owner is under negotiation. The nine (9) remaining new sites have obtained FAA clearance, received Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) numbers. All nine sites are currently being constructed. Seven sites are fully constructed – utilities and structures in place; tower constructed. All that remains is the installation of the 800 MHz equipment. Two sites are making good progress and need only to install utilities and structures to house the equipment and finalize tower construction. Construction at all sites has been at a standstill due to the extreme winter weather and will not resume until spring. Resumption of construction is dependent upon the weather but is not reasonably anticipated until March at the earliest. All the new sites have completed site access negotiations and are in the permitting process which is anticipated to be complete by mid-2018. To accommodate the time needed to complete construction and installation on all fifteen sites and avoid unanticipated delays, the County is seeking an extended implementation schedule with a deadline of 6/30/2020. As it files the paperwork to accomplish the licensing of all components of the system, the County has sought and received an extended implementation schedule on previous authorizations. The attached application is to license the 800 MHz Mutual Aid frequencies at five (5) of the ten (10) additional transmitter sites. The following implementation schedule is provided: Contract Awarded May 2016 Required State and Federal Regulatory reviews and approvals pursued and obtained May 2016-June 2018 Tower Sites Constructed May 2016-December 2019 800 MHz Transmitters Deployed and Operational 6/30/2020



https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/...tachmentKey=20326029&attachmentInd=applAttach

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

Howard County:

FY20 - This project is on target for completion in Q2 FY20. 2000 radios, (base stations, portables, and vehicles) have been replaced. Tower upgrades at 10 sites are done. This includes re-cabling and replacing the antennas. Work remaining, replacing the equipment at the base of each tower, will be complete in Q2 FY20.

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=__HZ1LhGDws=&tabid=1111&portalid=0

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

Looks like Calvert County has been granted an extension.

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/...tachmentKey=20582790&attachmentInd=applAttach

 

[maus92]

Looks like Calvert County has been granted an extension.

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/...tachmentKey=20582790&attachmentInd=applAttach

A fairly unprofessional letter. The way it's written makes it seem like a vendo ror prime wrote it, rather than the county.

 

[maus92]

deleted

 

[ThePhotoGuy]

Somerset County ----

Ms. Yvette Cross, Director of Emergency Services, came forward at this time to present a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Somerset County, the City of Crisfield and the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department (CFD) to undertake a major upgrade to the public safety radio system that responders will use. This agreement will allow space in the CFD storage room for the installation of radio equipment, allow Harris radio maintenance technicians 27 x 7 access, permit the installation of a 190 foot radio tower, and allow connection to the existing generator until relocation is made. Attorney Kirk Simpkins has reviewed the MOU and found it to be legally sufficient.

Commissioner Randy Laird made a motion to authorize President Mathies to sign the MOU as presented. Vice President Charles Laird seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.


Mr. Pusey presented a request received for a waiver of permit fees regarding the Emergency Services Tower Reinforcement project for public properties. The three sites include 28573 Hudson Corner Road (Sarah Peyton School), the Maryland State Police Barracks at 30581 Perry Road, and the former Sheriff’s Office (30426) Sam Barnes Road. The total fee waiver being requested today is $300.00. Consideration may also be given to waiving fees for the future antenna installation as well.

A motion was made by Commissioner Simpkins to approve the fee waiver request in the amount of $300.00 regarding the Tower Reinforcement project. Vice President Laird seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.


https://www.somersetmd.us/document_center/Minutes/Commissioners/2019/Comm04_02_2019.pdf

 

[maus92]

I was in Calvert yesterday. Their new P25 system is humming away, carrying no traffic other than periodic BSI. It was originally slated to be operational at the end of 2018.

 

[maus92]

Somerset County ----

Ms. Yvette Cross, Director of Emergency Services, came forward at this time to present a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Somerset County, the City of Crisfield and the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department (CFD) to undertake a major upgrade to the public safety radio system that responders will use. This agreement will allow space in the CFD storage room for the installation of radio equipment, allow Harris radio maintenance technicians 27 x 7 access, permit the installation of a 190 foot radio tower, and allow connection to the existing generator until relocation is made. Attorney Kirk Simpkins has reviewed the MOU and found it to be legally sufficient.

Commissioner Randy Laird made a motion to authorize President Mathies to sign the MOU as presented. Vice President Charles Laird seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.


Mr. Pusey presented a request received for a waiver of permit fees regarding the Emergency Services Tower Reinforcement project for public properties. The three sites include 28573 Hudson Corner Road (Sarah Peyton School), the Maryland State Police Barracks at 30581 Perry Road, and the former Sheriff’s Office (30426) Sam Barnes Road. The total fee waiver being requested today is $300.00. Consideration may also be given to waiving fees for the future antenna installation as well.

A motion was made by Commissioner Simpkins to approve the fee waiver request in the amount of $300.00 regarding the Tower Reinforcement project. Vice President Laird seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.


https://www.somersetmd.us/document_center/Minutes/Commissioners/2019/Comm04_02_2019.pdf

The Crisfield tower site will also host the FiRST system's Crisfield ASR.

 

[maus92]

Note that the original date of completion for Calvert's new P25 system was December 31, 2017, not 2018 - at least it will be well burned in....