Oconee Areawide Radio System

[MTS2000des]

In watching these recent Georgia threads I wonder this: what if Georgia and all the counties upgraded the state wide VHF system with something like nexedge? County/city agency repeaters could update with 12.5KHz analog and digital AMBE voice capability. With narrowband more VHF frequencies come open for agencies. That means the tried and true 154.905/154.935/155.370 system gets more split channels, plus the nationally recognized V-tacs, etc and you have all the interop channels you need. You have easy simplex operation. Equipment would be much more affordable for local governments. Everybody can upgrade and expand system to new standards. Plus, VHF works a hell of a lot better in a place like Georgia than 800Mhz. You won't need expensive computer controlling systems and expensive software updates. And your not fighting interference issues with cellular 800MHz systems. I'm sure it would save a helluva lot of money too.
BG..

There is no technical reason why OTB (other band trunking) cannot be accomplished on VHF/UHF, other than Motorola wasn't pushing the concept down public safety's collective throats in the 1990's like they were 800MHz. If you look back in history, back in the 80's and 90's, 800MHz was a haven of open space, with VHF and UHF bands crowded with no place to go.

That is almost the opposite situation nowadays, with business users migrating to cellular/PCS/ESMR and the VHF and UHF bands are much easier to get coordination. With the paging industry pretty much history, interference from paging transmitters is almost non-existent. Can't say the same for 800MHz, with interference from iDEN, cellular and overcrowding, it's almost like history repeating itself.

A VHF trunking system can be a reality, look at the state of Alaska, ALMR is a VHF DTRS, albeit Astro 25, but it can be done- and uses way fewer sites than 700/800.

Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR) Trunking System, Statewide, Alaska - Scanner Frequencies

NexEDGE would be a great alternative to expensive P25 phase I systems, and with VHF, the need for expensive and complex simulcasting sites would be eliminated. Not to mention in the southern part of our state, strategically placed high sites could provide 2-3 counties of coverage. But that is thinking "outside the box".

 

[JRayfield]

Using trunking on VHF and/or UHF in most of the 90's had nothing to do with Motorola not "pushing the concept down public safety's collective throats".

Trunking in the VHF and UHF bands, under Part 90 of the FCC rules, wasn't legal until the late 90's.

John Rayfield, Jr. CETma

There is no technical reason why OTB (other band trunking) cannot be accomplished on VHF/UHF, other than Motorola wasn't pushing the concept down public safety's collective throats in the 1990's like they were 800MHz. If you look back in history, back in the 80's and 90's, 800MHz was a haven of open space, with VHF and UHF bands crowded with no place to go.

That is almost the opposite situation nowadays, with business users migrating to cellular/PCS/ESMR and the VHF and UHF bands are much easier to get coordination. With the paging industry pretty much history, interference from paging transmitters is almost non-existent. Can't say the same for 800MHz, with interference from iDEN, cellular and overcrowding, it's almost like history repeating itself.

A VHF trunking system can be a reality, look at the state of Alaska, ALMR is a VHF DTRS, albeit Astro 25, but it can be done- and uses way fewer sites than 700/800.

Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR) Trunking System, Statewide, Alaska - Scanner Frequencies

NexEDGE would be a great alternative to expensive P25 phase I systems, and with VHF, the need for expensive and complex simulcasting sites would be eliminated. Not to mention in the southern part of our state, strategically placed high sites could provide 2-3 counties of coverage. But that is thinking "outside the box".

 

[MTS2000des]

Using trunking on VHF and/or UHF in most of the 90's had nothing to do with Motorola not "pushing the concept down public safety's collective throats".

Trunking in the VHF and UHF bands, under Part 90 of the FCC rules, wasn't legal until the late 90's.

John Rayfield, Jr. CETma

yeah, guess that's why the Federal government had no problem buying Smartnet and Smartzone trunking systems on the VHF and UHF spectrum in the early 1990's.

oh wait I guess Rayfield doesn't strike out this time, the Feds are NTIA not FCC.

 

[radiofan1]

Statewide 800 would be expensive indeed, up in the mountains. But that didn't stop Tennessee. They are going to end up constructing 7.2 million sites trying to achieve mobile coverage only in the eastern part of the state. Motorola is morally bankrupt. Makes me sick.

 

[JRayfield]

What kind of system is this supposed to be? 7.2 million sites?

John Rayfield, Jr. CETma

Statewide 800 would be expensive indeed, up in the mountains. But that didn't stop Tennessee. They are going to end up constructing 7.2 million sites trying to achieve mobile coverage only in the eastern part of the state. Motorola is morally bankrupt. Makes me sick.

 

[MTS2000des]

Statewide 800 would be expensive indeed, up in the mountains. But that didn't stop Tennessee. They are going to end up constructing 7.2 million sites trying to achieve mobile coverage only in the eastern part of the state. Motorola is morally bankrupt. Makes me sick.

Businesses don't have morals, feelings, or emotions. They are nothing more than collections of contracts, and are only accountable to the stockholders, and in a balanced society, their government.

Problem is our government is overrun with businesses that rule the government, the system of checks and balances is thrown off. This is where we are today. The product of this lavish extravagance is insurmountable debt. A debt we can't possibly pay. We are seeing the result of this way of living, decades of wasteful pork barrel spending. Now the bills are coming due. What does government do? SELL ITSELF FURTHER. It's a slippery slope.

I don't blame Motorola as much as those who we as taxpayers we entrust that our officials will spend wisely, especially when faced with choices of furloughing public safety employees, closing schools and libraries, and cutting back on services to our citizens. Yet they find plenty of money to fund this fabricated "crisis" of "not being able to communicate". Funny, how up until we had complex, closed, walled-garden style radio systems installed, at the urging and direction of the industry and their cohorts at the FCC, interoperability and performance became a "national dilemma requiring immediate action" to fix.

Gotta love the propaganda machine aka mass media. Keep people scared, they won't ask questions, and the madness and spending continues.

I blame those in charge of allowing it to happen. Oh wait, who was government supposed to be? "By, of and for the people". Hey folks, those "people" aren't the taxpayers. When the real people decide we've had enough of this nonsense, let's do something about it.


I could use some help.

 

[radiofan1]

What kind of system is this supposed to be? 7.2 million sites?

John Rayfield, Jr. CETma

I was being facetious. I believe it will take many more sites than Tenn was told...

 

[radiofan1]

Businesses don't have morals, feelings, or emotions. They are nothing more than collections of contracts, and are only accountable to the stockholders, and in a balanced society, their government.

Problem is our government is overrun with businesses that rule the government, the system of checks and balances is thrown off. This is where we are today. The product of this lavish extravagance is insurmountable debt. A debt we can't possibly pay. We are seeing the result of this way of living, decades of wasteful pork barrel spending. Now the bills are coming due. What does government do? SELL ITSELF FURTHER. It's a slippery slope.

I don't blame Motorola as much as those who we as taxpayers we entrust that our officials will spend wisely, especially when faced with choices of furloughing public safety employees, closing schools and libraries, and cutting back on services to our citizens. Yet they find plenty of money to fund this fabricated "crisis" of "not being able to communicate". Funny, how up until we had complex, closed, walled-garden style radio systems installed, at the urging and direction of the industry and their cohorts at the FCC, interoperability and performance became a "national dilemma requiring immediate action" to fix.

Gotta love the propaganda machine aka mass media. Keep people scared, they won't ask questions, and the madness and spending continues.

I blame those in charge of allowing it to happen. Oh wait, who was government supposed to be? "By, of and for the people". Hey folks, those "people" aren't the taxpayers. When the real people decide we've had enough of this nonsense, let's do something about it.


I could use some help.

Oh, I completely agree with you that politicians are complicit. But it takes 2 to tango.

 

[MTS2000des]

Oh, I completely agree with you that politicians are complicit. But it takes 2 to tango.

No argument there. While we cannot tell the vendors how to play (unless one is a stockholder, board member or officer of said entity), we CAN do our part as citizens to ensure that we are getting what WE pay for.

Problem is many people could care less about what goes on in city hall. They spend too much time playing into the mass media spin machine of republican vs. democrat (which is nothing more than a diversion tactic on the part of those pulling the strings), unimportant meaningless dribble such as who Linday Lohan or whatever plastic idol whore was arrested, or what goes on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave then to concern themselves which what is going on in THEIR home town/city/county where the REAL DECISIONS that impact THEM are made daily.

and it doesn't happen in secret. Most of this is out in the open and public comments DO go on record. but how many county commission meetings, city council hearings, or the like does the average citizen attend? I dare say most citizens couldn't even tell you who their city councilman/woman or county commissioner is, but they can sure tell you if they are a democrat or republican (as if it really matters) :roll:

at the end of the day, it is up to US to do what we can. It means getting off our butts and getting involved, and working WITH not AGAINST those in power to educate them on the real issues at hand. When it comes to radio communications, most often they lack access to unbiased technical minds to consult with before making such decisions they face. In the radio community (and this more applies to amateur radio operators, as we posses slightly more credentials and experience with our FCC issued license and in most cases, reputation for assisting governments throughout history) we can be a POSITIVE ASSET and offer our no-cost services to these agencies, and CLEAR THE AIR of the sales hype and provide unbiased FACTS. It is also an opportunity to build bridges and relationships with our local government agencies and officials. The key to getting them to listen is to offer solutions not just complaints. Offering facts and leave emotional arguments at home goes a long way in communicating our ideas and concerns.

I have been doing this for over 10 years and as a ham and professional communications worker, I enjoy it as a way of giving back to my community, helping our local governments save money, and ensure that WE get what they pay for, and have made many friends along the way. In the end it's a choice and commitment to get involved.

If we don't who will? if no one does you can count on one thing, nothing will change.

 

[SCPD]

Statewide Radio System

In watching these recent Georgia threads I wonder this: what if Georgia and all the counties upgraded the state wide VHF system with something like nexedge? County/city agency repeaters could update with 12.5KHz analog and digital AMBE voice capability. With narrowband more VHF frequencies come open for agencies. That means the tried and true 154.905/154.935/155.370 system gets more split channels, plus the nationally recognized V-tacs, etc and you have all the interop channels you need. You have easy simplex operation. Equipment would be much more affordable for local governments. BG..

I agree with ButchGone. If the State of Georgia would agree to pool all of the various VHF frequencies that all State agencies (DNR, DOC, DOT, GBI, GFC, GSP, etc.) are licensed for they could create one huge Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System with the majority of the functions and features they need. In addition to this, if they could convince all of the counties to pool the majority, if not all, of the VHF frequencies they are licensed to use then a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System could be implemented that would be second to none in the nation and would probably be a model for many other states to follow. I have expressed this very concept to several communications officials in various parts of Georgia over the last two years, but there are several factors that will prevent a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System from happening here and these are:

1. There isn't anyone with enough two-way radio knowledge and political clout to get the right Legislators' and Governor's attention on this matter and be able to convince them this is the way the State should go. Besides, pushing for VHF Trunking would be going against the grain of what several of the big counties have been pushing with 700/800 MHz P25 and have actually started regional systems. These counties have picked up the ball and ran with it during times when the State just sat back on their hands and did nothing when it comes to public safety two-way radio communications. These counties do have major political pull at the State level and I honestly think it would create a huge political battle over technology and budgets if the idea of a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System was introduced;
2. In order for this to happen it must also be made a State issue and the State must address this by coming up with a plan then selling the idea to all State agencies along with every city and county in Georgia, but this is not going to happen for numerous reasons with one being the State doesn't have anyone on staff that can and will drive this project;
3. One thing I recently learned was that sometime between 2004 and 2007 the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) adopted P25 as the only digital two-way radio standard that could be considered and used by State agencies. I'm not sure how true this is, but if it is true I'm not sure as to whether or not this standard could be amended. If it is true then this position would prevent the State from looking at other digital radio technologies even if/when something better and more economical is introduced. Of course this position could put the counties who have not already committed to 700/800 MHz P25 to be in a good position to start implementing a VHF digital protocol and linking these different systems together the same way many have done 800 MHz P25 albeit if done correctly could be implemented much faster and way more economical than the 800 MHz P25 Systems;
4. If someone did come out in support of a VHF digital protocol other than P25 the opponents would more than likely come out of the wood work in an effort to defeat this attempt. Many people in the State of Georgia view VHF two-way radio equipment and systems as antiquated and obsolete technology even though the problem is not the frequency band that is being used, but it is the actual technology;
5. If someone were to propose a Statewide VHF digital radio protocol other than P25 we would more than likely see the radio systems managers, EMA directors, EMS directors, fire chiefs, police chiefs and sheriffs using 700/800 MHz P25 Systems come out and speak against this concept because it disrupts the plans they have been working on in creating regional systems. They would sight that 80% of the State's population is in areas where public safety agencies use 800 MHz P25 Systems;

Again, I agree that using VHF radio frequencies to create a statewide digital radio system seems to be a very viable alternative to the huge upfront and reoccurring costs associated in creating a statewide 700/800 MHz P25. At my last count, there were less than 50 of Georgia's 159 counties who were already using 700/800 MHz P25 Systems or have approved plans and funding to purchase and implement a system of this type. To date, the cost to implement a 700/800 MHz P25 System in Cobb County was over $28 million four to five years ago and Rome-Floyd is estimating the cost of their new system to be $26 million. If we only have 1/3 of the counties in Georgia participating in 700/800 MHz Systems then to bring in the remaining 2/3 of the counties on this type of system would cost millions more possibly up to and above a billion dollars. Remember, these are implementation costs and do not take into account that counties spend thousands of dollars annually to maintain these systems and the subscriber units on these systems.

 

[nunyax]

Rockdale County and OARS / UASI

Response from Rockdale County about digital radio plans:

In response to your question regarding Rockdale County joining the Oconee Area-wide Radio System (OARS) group; the decision whether to join the OARS consortium has not been made. Actually no definitive plans or decisions have been made with respect to engaging with other jurisdictions for the purpose of sharing compatible radio system resources. It is however one possibility that is being considered in the development of the overall project to upgrade our analog 800 MHz. radio system to a digital 800 MHz. radio system. Being able to join with other jurisdictions to share resources would be beneficial in several ways. Utilizing a regional resource such as a system master switch, would reduce the overall expense to upgrade our existing system and would reduce the reoccurring costs to maintain the system.

In July of 2010 voters in Rockdale County approved a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to fund several projects in the County. One of the projects identified for SPLOST was an upgrade to the 800 MHz. radio system and $4.5 million dollars are earmarked for that project. At this time, preliminary needs assessments are being identified, all options are being considered and plans are being developed to upgrade our existing 800 MHz. radio system and to migrate our radios from analog to digital.

Also, Rockdale County is a part of Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Region 7, however Rockdale County has not been included as a part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) as of yet. That is not to say that at some point in the future the federally sponsored UASI may expand to include Rockdale. The UASI radio system infrastructure is in place and operational at this time and expansion plans are being developed. This is another option for Rockdale County to consider.

I anticipate more information being forthcoming regarding the radio system as soon as the SPLOST oversight committee begins their planning process.

Our Public Safety radio system is one of the most essential resources for our Pubic Safety responders performing their mission, to serve and protect our community. Without communications our emergency response systems are greatly compromised.

I appreciate you taking the time to ask the questions about the radio system. Please feel free to contact me anytime.


Bill Cate
Operations Specialist 800 MHz.
Rockdale County Fire Rescue- Communications

 

[b7spectra]

Maybe if we could convince the politicians that we really DON'T need 159 counties (160 if North Fulton breaks away to become Milton County), more areas could be consolidated into one and the cost/need for multiple systems would go away. In south Georgia, several counties have "pooled" together and have a regional system. It's VHF analog non-trunked and it works. Hmm. Imagine that. Now, of course it would get too many panties in wads, but could you imagine what would happen if, and I'm just saying, all the counties that are either part of WARRS or OARS were to become a single entity/county, how much money could be saved?

Never mind, it makes about as much sense as when I suggested GSP have a single dispatch center for the entire state!

 

[SCPD]

Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System

Seriously, all it would take is for four or five counties who presently use VHF to get together and agree to take the VHF frequencies they presently use in their analog VHF conventional systems and pool these frequencies together to license these as one huge VHF Trunked Radio System for the "region" and, of course, agree to use the same type of digital technology (i.e., MotoTRBO or NEXEDGE) in order for this idea to catch on. Many naysayers will say this would be a logistical nightmare and cannot be done. About six years ago, I mentioned this concept to a State employee, who has since retired, who told me it could not be done when I was planning to do the very same thing for City's non-public safety departments (Electrical Power, Fleet Management, Parks & Recreation, Sanitation, Streets, Traffic Services, Water and Sewer). We had moved all of the non-public safety departments (a total of 178 mobiles, 178 portables and 27 control stations) back to VHF narrowband conventional channels from the Cobb County 800 MHz ATRS after we learned of the enormous expense it was going to cost us to purchase and maintain subscriber units on Cobb's newly planned digital system. We had the seven departments using five VHF conventional channels for daily use while I used the same five frequency pairs, plus licensed two additional pair to license and create a seven channel VHF TRS at a different site. This concept has worked out very well for us and has provided us with a primary TRS at one site, plus five conventional repeaters to use as backup at a different site all for less than $500,000. To date, there are almost 400 radios on our VHF TRS and I am in the process of adding a two channel remote site to improve portable coverage in Marietta Power and Water's service area in eastern Cobb County that is outside the city limits.

With some of the brands and models of VHF repeaters being able to work in both analog and digital modes it sure would make transition to a VHF digital system much smoother without all of the cross patching, simulcasting, etc. that normally has to take place when converting from one type of system to another. I sure would like to see several counties in Georgia give it a try.

 

[procopper7005]

I agree with ButchGone. If the State of Georgia would agree to pool all of the various VHF frequencies that all State agencies (DNR, DOC, DOT, GBI, GFC, GSP, etc.) are licensed for they could create one huge Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System with the majority of the functions and features they need. In addition to this, if they could convince all of the counties to pool the majority, if not all, of the VHF frequencies they are licensed to use then a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System could be implemented that would be second to none in the nation and would probably be a model for many other states to follow. I have expressed this very concept to several communications officials in various parts of Georgia over the last two years, but there are several factors that will prevent a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System from happening here and these are:

1. There isn't anyone with enough two-way radio knowledge and political clout to get the right Legislators' and Governor's attention on this matter and be able to convince them this is the way the State should go. Besides, pushing for VHF Trunking would be going against the grain of what several of the big counties have been pushing with 700/800 MHz P25 and have actually started regional systems. These counties have picked up the ball and ran with it during times when the State just sat back on their hands and did nothing when it comes to public safety two-way radio communications. These counties do have major political pull at the State level and I honestly think it would create a huge political battle over technology and budgets if the idea of a Statewide VHF Trunked Radio System was introduced;
2. In order for this to happen it must also be made a State issue and the State must address this by coming up with a plan then selling the idea to all State agencies along with every city and county in Georgia, but this is not going to happen for numerous reasons with one being the State doesn't have anyone on staff that can and will drive this project;
3. One thing I recently learned was that sometime between 2004 and 2007 the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) adopted P25 as the only digital two-way radio standard that could be considered and used by State agencies. I'm not sure how true this is, but if it is true I'm not sure as to whether or not this standard could be amended. If it is true then this position would prevent the State from looking at other digital radio technologies even if/when something better and more economical is introduced. Of course this position could put the counties who have not already committed to 700/800 MHz P25 to be in a good position to start implementing a VHF digital protocol and linking these different systems together the same way many have done 800 MHz P25 albeit if done correctly could be implemented much faster and way more economical than the 800 MHz P25 Systems;
4. If someone did come out in support of a VHF digital protocol other than P25 the opponents would more than likely come out of the wood work in an effort to defeat this attempt. Many people in the State of Georgia view VHF two-way radio equipment and systems as antiquated and obsolete technology even though the problem is not the frequency band that is being used, but it is the actual technology;
5. If someone were to propose a Statewide VHF digital radio protocol other than P25 we would more than likely see the radio systems managers, EMA directors, EMS directors, fire chiefs, police chiefs and sheriffs using 700/800 MHz P25 Systems come out and speak against this concept because it disrupts the plans they have been working on in creating regional systems. They would sight that 80% of the State's population is in areas where public safety agencies use 800 MHz P25 Systems;

Again, I agree that using VHF radio frequencies to create a statewide digital radio system seems to be a very viable alternative to the huge upfront and reoccurring costs associated in creating a statewide 700/800 MHz P25. At my last count, there were less than 50 of Georgia's 159 counties who were already using 700/800 MHz P25 Systems or have approved plans and funding to purchase and implement a system of this type. To date, the cost to implement a 700/800 MHz P25 System in Cobb County was over $28 million four to five years ago and Rome-Floyd is estimating the cost of their new system to be $26 million. If we only have 1/3 of the counties in Georgia participating in 700/800 MHz Systems then to bring in the remaining 2/3 of the counties on this type of system would cost millions more possibly up to and above a billion dollars. Remember, these are implementation costs and do not take into account that counties spend thousands of dollars annually to maintain these systems and the subscriber units on these systems.

GEMA has many communications experts on staff, the problem is the decision makers dont listen to common sense.
The majority of the state is not covered by anything other than a vhf analog repeater and maybe 1 deputy every 150 square miles. I can think of more than 30 counties where there is no law enforcement, no on duty fire, and 1 ambulance covering the whole county after midnight during the week. Call 911 at 3a, in Orglethorpe County or Echols County and they have to page the deputy at his house. Seriously.
Georgia has a few medium cities and 1 big city, the rest of the state has no need for some advanced expensive waste of money system.
The Georgia State Patrol goes off air at midnight at the majority of its posts, 1 on call trooper covers on average 1000 square miles at night especially in south and central Georgia. There are less than 250 GBI agents and barely 200 DNR rangers covering the whole state.
This isnt a state with a robust 24/7 state police with lots of cities, its rural and we should consider that.
What might work great in Atlanta or Augusta or Macon is a waste of money in the rest of the state.

 

[procopper7005]

Maybe if we could convince the politicians that we really DON'T need 159 counties (160 if North Fulton breaks away to become Milton County), more areas could be consolidated into one and the cost/need for multiple systems would go away. In south Georgia, several counties have "pooled" together and have a regional system. It's VHF analog non-trunked and it works. Hmm. Imagine that. Now, of course it would get too many panties in wads, but could you imagine what would happen if, and I'm just saying, all the counties that are either part of WARRS or OARS were to become a single entity/county, how much money could be saved?

Never mind, it makes about as much sense as when I suggested GSP have a single dispatch center for the entire state!

Well GSP did consolidate into regional comm centers which saves a ton of money. The number of counties is set by the state constitution...so not a very easy change....and you know all those good ole boys, county judges, commissioners, department heads, etc arent going to want their little kingdom to disappear.

 

[SCPD]

GEMA has many communications experts on staff, the problem is the decision makers dont listen to common sense.
The majority of the state is not covered by anything other than a vhf analog repeater and maybe 1 deputy every 150 square miles. I can think of more than 30 counties where there is no law enforcement, no on duty fire, and 1 ambulance covering the whole county after midnight during the week. Call 911 at 3a, in Orglethorpe County or Echols County and they have to page the deputy at his house. Seriously.
Georgia has a few medium cities and 1 big city, the rest of the state has no need for some advanced expensive waste of money system.
The Georgia State Patrol goes off air at midnight at the majority of its posts, 1 on call trooper covers on average 1000 square miles at night especially in south and central Georgia. There are less than 250 GBI agents and barely 200 DNR rangers covering the whole state.
This isnt a state with a robust 24/7 state police with lots of cities, its rural and we should consider that.
What might work great in Atlanta or Augusta or Macon is a waste of money in the rest of the state.

My point exactly when it come to implementing a statewide 700/800 MHz P25 system or even regional 700/800 MHz P25 systems in some cases. 700/800 MHz P25 Systems are too expensive to purchase and too expensive to maintain (some counties are spending between one and three million per year for maintenance on their systems). I'm beginning to wonder if some of the larger cities and counties even need systems this elaborate especially when most are only using their system to conduct basic two-way communications and are not taking advantage of all of the features and functions of the high dollar systems they have purchased. All I am saying is if someone with the technical know how and right political clout at the State level could have used the narrowband mandate as the prime opportunity to take the bull by the horns and really do something dynamic with the VHF spectrum already in use throughout our State they may have been able to lay the groundwork for future upgrades to a digital system for about the same cost that it would be to replace existing analog equipment. The problem is we are almost to the point where the narrowband mandate is almost upon us and it is probably too late to do anything on a statewide basis. What we will have is what I have seen the last 30+ years I have worked in the public safety communications profession in Georgia and that is every city and county will be on their own, doing their own thing. With this being the case, it may take years to lay the groundwork toward a system that could virtually allow statewide two-way radio coverage during a major disaster or large scale pre-planned event like the '96 Olympic Games or G-8 Summit. It truly looks like we may have missed one of the best opportunties of a lifetime with narrowbanding and I don't think any of us will ever see an opportunity like this come our way again. Too bad, so sad because the real people who lose are the boots on the ground, our police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, GBI agents, firefighters, forestry personnel, EMTs, paramedics and EMA officials who deserve a reliable two-way radio communications system that provides them with hand held coverage anywhere they may go in our great State. It doesn't matter if they are on foot in a small to medium size town/city, driving on a back woods country road or asleep while "on call" from their home they still need a reliable two-way radio communications system. Oh, and let's not forget the 9-1-1 communications officers and other dispatchers throughout our State because they too need a very reliable radio system to use to notify field personnel of calls for service, plus be able to maintain contact with these field personnel to help insure their needs and safety.

 

[kg4ciu]

Seriously, all it would take is for four or five counties who presently use VHF to get together and agree to take the VHF frequencies they presently use in their analog VHF conventional systems and pool these frequencies together to license these as one huge VHF Trunked Radio System for the "region" and, of course, agree to use the same type of digital technology (i.e., MotoTRBO or NEXEDGE) in order for this idea to catch on. Many naysayers will say this would be a logistical nightmare and cannot be done. About six years ago, I mentioned this concept to a State employee, who has since retired, who told me it could not be done when I was planning to do the very same thing for City's non-public safety departments (Electrical Power, Fleet Management, Parks & Recreation, Sanitation, Streets, Traffic Services, Water and Sewer). We had moved all of the non-public safety departments (a total of 178 mobiles, 178 portables and 27 control stations) back to VHF narrowband conventional channels from the Cobb County 800 MHz ATRS after we learned of the enormous expense it was going to cost us to purchase and maintain subscriber units on Cobb's newly planned digital system. We had the seven departments using five VHF conventional channels for daily use while I used the same five frequency pairs, plus licensed two additional pair to license and create a seven channel VHF TRS at a different site. This concept has worked out very well for us and has provided us with a primary TRS at one site, plus five conventional repeaters to use as backup at a different site all for less than $500,000. To date, there are almost 400 radios on our VHF TRS and I am in the process of adding a two channel remote site to improve portable coverage in Marietta Power and Water's service area in eastern Cobb County that is outside the city limits.

With some of the brands and models of VHF repeaters being able to work in both analog and digital modes it sure would make transition to a VHF digital system much smoother without all of the cross patching, simulcasting, etc. that normally has to take place when converting from one type of system to another. I sure would like to see several counties in Georgia give it a try.

I said the same thing the other day. and it dosen't even have to be trunked

 

[kb2crk]

GEMA has many communications experts on staff, the problem is the decision makers dont listen to common sense.
The majority of the state is not covered by anything other than a vhf analog repeater and maybe 1 deputy every 150 square miles. I can think of more than 30 counties where there is no law enforcement, no on duty fire, and 1 ambulance covering the whole county after midnight during the week. Call 911 at 3a, in Orglethorpe County or Echols County and they have to page the deputy at his house. Seriously.
Georgia has a few medium cities and 1 big city, the rest of the state has no need for some advanced expensive waste of money system.
The Georgia State Patrol goes off air at midnight at the majority of its posts, 1 on call trooper covers on average 1000 square miles at night especially in south and central Georgia. There are less than 250 GBI agents and barely 200 DNR rangers covering the whole state.
This isnt a state with a robust 24/7 state police with lots of cities, its rural and we should consider that.
What might work great in Atlanta or Augusta or Macon is a waste of money in the rest of the state.

i dont know about Echols county but there are at least 2 deputies patrolling on duty at 3 am.in Oglethorpe. the problem comes in where the size of Oglethorpe it can take up to 30 minutes for one to get to you if you are near colbert and they were both on a call in philomath.

 

[kb2crk]

I had heard something interesting from a fire chief in greene county.
he was recently told that the system going in greene county was going to 700mhz digital.
his fire station would also be keeping VHF analog as their rescue truck responds to neighboring counties that still use it. their fire dept also has its own vhf repeater that has already been narrow banded.
the 700 mhz does not make sense to me but hell this is Georgia and anything is possible.

 

[jlj31986]

The new Oconee Area Radio System (OARS) is a 700 mhz simulcast digital system