HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0225 (2)• Renovation of the Rhinehart tower (painting, etc) is needed to meet FAA/FCC compliance. This
is anticipated at a cost of$20,000 and is included in the 04/05 budget.
Lone Term
The Communications Task Force, in researching the capabilities and desires of a long term radio system,
had several discussions with various vendors and looked at future possibilities. The following is a result
of those discussions.
• In March 2003, it was decided that 800 MHz technology was a possibility that needed further
consideration. Due to issues such as interoperability, private talk groups, emergency call
functions, spectrum reforming, as well as data transmission, makes 800 MHz the ultimate
system.
• The county, with the assistance ojMr. Al Linker with Wireless Communications, applied for sir
800 MHz frequencies (funded through the Sher)J"s Department). The Town of Mooresville also
applied for six 800 MHz frequencies. It was the plan that there frequencies be combined for a
total county-wide system of twelve frequencies. The FCC issued the frequencies in August 1003
which included a five year-slow-growth plan.
• In the fall of 2003, the task force recommended that Mr. Al Linker be obtained as a consultant to
pursue recommendations for a county wide trunked radio system. The total cost for Mr. Linker's
services was $31.640 with the county share being 74% ($23,414) based on population.
• Mr. Linker has recommended an 800 MHz system with (full functional) transmitters at
Rhinehart. Olin and ECOM (with a new 500 ft. tower built in West Statesville to replace the
tower at ECOM) and a mutual aid transmitter in the Love Valley area. There is a possibility
that a fourth site maybe needed. This would allow for 95% in street portable coverage. The
infrastructure total cost for a fully functional three site system, new Statesville tower and one
mutual aid site was projected by Mr. Linker to be $4,680,000. Ifan additional fourth site is
needed the cost could increase by an estimated $1,300,000. The cost of mobiles and portables
would range from $2,500 to $4,015 each. Replacement ofall radios now in service (1423 as of
fall 2002) would cost between $3,557,500 and $5,713,345. On March 11, 2004, a tour was
conducted with a member of RCC Consultants. Upon examination of the Rhinehart tower, it was
his initial opinion that this tower would not be capable ofsupporting additional loading. It will
be imperative that the tower be capable ofsupporting additional equipment, including a six to
eight foot solid dish for digital microwave for an 800 MHz system. Therefore, replacement of
this tower would be needed to support 800 MHz at an estimated cost of $115,000. Also, to
support a large enough digital microwave dish jar 800 MHz, the tower at ECOM may need
upgrading to a larger tower at an estimated cost of $65.000. Total implementation of an 800
MHz system is projected to cost $9,72 7.500 to $11,883,345. The county share of this cost, if all
other jurisdictions participate, will be $7,198,350 to $8,793,676. (Based on a maximum jour site
system)
The Communications Task Force has recommended that a consulting firm be obtained to examine
this project. It is felt that a larger firm with experience in the implementation of these types of
systems is desirable over an individual consultant. It is projected that the total cost for such a firm
would be $220,481 to $170,000 or about 2-1.5 percent ofthe total projected system cost.
Comparisons
After consultation with other counties, it was learned that Forsyth County was in the process of
implementing an 800 MHz that will require eight tower sites. Catawba County has just concluded a
study that will require eleven tower sites (note that Catawba is requesting in house coverage instead
of in street coverage). Catawba County is looking at budgeting $400,000 a year for seven years for
seven receiver sites and jour transmit sites on VHF/UHF and upgrading current towers. This cost
does not include digital microwave that will be needed for simulcast. After bringing their current
system up to date, they advised they are projecting an additional $21 million to build out an 800
MHz system. At this point, they are not sure of their future direction regarding 800 MHz.
With this information, it is questioned if the proposed three to jour- site system would be sufficient to
cover Iredell County. Any additional sites that may be required is projected to cost $1.3 - $1.5
million each.
Possibilities
The county could possibly work with the State Highway Patrol and the VIPER network to partner
with us and therefore maintain our current assigned 800 MHz frequencies, if pursuit of our own 800
MHz system is not currently feasible, but is planned for the future. There are variables associated
with this plan and retention ojour 800 MHz frequencies would not be guaranteed.
Looking at alternative solutions for supplementing our current system is also possible. This could
include working with cell carriers to provide private talk groups and console integration until such