Local Governement RadioSwitchover??

[CowboyG]

Happy Holidays Everyone...

Being somewhat new to radio scanning, and the digital tv transition due to happen in 2009 to free up frequencies for local law, does anyone know if local governments (IE--Illinois in general) will be upgrading/switching there radio systems to digital, and abandoning analog? I'm searching to purchase another scanner but don't want to buy a trunk tracker that doesn't support digital.

Any answers/ info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RoninJoliet]

Here in NE ILL the new band 700mgz is in full swing if thats what you mean...700mgz TV channels here are in use with the new ILL-Starcom Digital System 700/800mgz...Just purchased the new RS197 digital base at there special pre-Xmas price @ $299.99, fantastic digital scanner that does the Starcom tower101-Dupage Co flawless.....

 

[baronofbeer]

It just depends on your location. I've seen a lot of places up north that have money are switching over, but the farther south you get, the less money there is. There are counties that can barely afford a new squad car, let alone a new radio system.

The area I live in, yeah ISP is on Starcom, but most of the local agencies are still on conventional analog and can't even afford to think about upgrading.

 

[CowboyG]

Thanks RoninJoliet and BaronofBeer for the replies. I was thinking along the same lines that both of you gave. Being in a "fleet manager" position, I do receive info on various municipalities with basic radio systems; but nothing definate from FCC as a "major push to upgrade radio systems".
I guess I'll just have to buy a digital trunk tracker and call it even.
Thanks again, and Happy New Year.