I think that Hanover probably just did a bad job setting it up. As I recall, they're working on 3 towers when 4 were recommended. I think you'll find that EDACS systems in Lynchburg, Amherts and Bedford seem to get much better coverage.
Hanover also has severe weaknesses in areas just west of Mechanicsville, but you'd be surprised at how good they sound in central King William. Henrico actually sounds better in that problem area than Hanover does.
Here's what I don't understand about going to the new system. If I understand the situation correctly, Hanover has to use directional antennas to keep their coverage from spreading too far--presumably to avoid interference to someone else. (I've heard the same about Philadelphia) If this is the case, wouldn't some sort of frequency exchange or rebanding do a better job of solving the problem? Wouldn't the same frequencies be just as much of an interference risk with a P25 system?
Also, Hanover wants better interop with Henrico and Richmond. But according to newspaper accounts, their new radios will be able to access Richmond & Henrico, but Henrico & Richmond radios won't be able to access Hanover's system. Given that Hanover & Henrico already have repeaters available on the ITAC's, How would interoperability be improved? Besides, those ITAC's are mostly used for funeral processions anyway.
I'm really puzzled by this compatibility issue in particular. Could it mean that we're going to see a 700 MHz solution?
73/Allen (N4JRI)
