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The subject listed was one of the headlines on this past Sunday Oregonian (Jan 28, 2007) from Portland. This is the proposed cost of a new public safety communications system in Oregon.
The article talks about the need for new public safety communications in Oregon. I know that many areas are updating their communications systems, i.e.: King County, Snohomish County, City of Tacoma, etc., but I didn't know it was required by the Federal government. One item in the article stated:

"Oregon has no choice but to improve its public safety radio systems.

New federal requirements mean the state-along with most of Oregon's smaller police, sheriff's and fire departments-must get new radios for the first responders by 2012. They must switch to narrower frequencies so more users can join the public airways."

Is this in fact a federal requirement? Does it mean that public safety is going to have to give up VHF and UHF radios (California Highway Patrol still uses Lo-Band in some areas I believe)? If it is a requirement, what are the feelings on the forum as to whether it will bring in digital at the same time (I believe Springfield, Or went digital many years ago.

If I were a citizen of Oregon ( I used to be) I think I would question spending this much money on a new radio system when the state had to lay off quite a number of State Troopers a few years ago because of lack of tax dollars.
Your thoughts,
Gampawayne

Blame Al Gore -- Republican, (retired) who was the main force behind the 1996 "re-write" of the Communications Act -- that requires the FCC to Auction Off radio spectrum for cash. Congress -- went along with the FCC staff and the FCC wants "more spectrum" that can bring in more cash. The FCC has set a date -- after which all new radios sold -- will be required to use "narrow band" channels. This means that the audio will sound poorer -- but should get the job done. ---- Keep in mind -- we live in a Capitalistic Society. MONEY TALKs. The State of Oregon provided the report that was reported about. It compares the use of 700 Mhz to use of lower band frequencies. ---- It will require MORE 700 mhz spectrum to do the job -- than it would a VHF High band system. Don't rush out and buy a new scanner just yet. Most users are very happy with what they have right now. Unless the Feds pay for the move -- most radio systems will remain as is. In fact --- in California -- ALL Fire Rigs will have VHF High Band gear as a "Statewide" mutual aid system -- even if the primary radio system is trunked. The CHP is looking at High Band -- UHF T-Band -- as well as 700 Mhz. 80 % of Oregon and Washington Fire Depts -- will remain on VHF High Band. Don't Panic.

Yeah, narrowband does sound like crap Lewis 12 and Centralia went in on one and the modulation sounds muted or something. Oregon spent a lot(for oregon) on improving their OSP hi-band 20 years ago and its better than the WSP as least as far as being able to talk to each other. I think the story in the Oregonian looked like it was written by one of the vendors looking for the bid.

If Al Gore is the same Al Gore that invented the internet and
made the film "An Inconvenient Truth" then he is a Democrat
"retired". :D

_________________
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Made to Government Specs:
1) Measured with a micrometer.
2) Marked with a chalk.
3) Cut with an axe.

Jim N7UAP - Bellingham, WA / InterceptRadio.com

"Oregon has no choice but to improve its public safety radio system". This is a true statement of fact. The reporter is reporting facts. The facts are that VHF High Band can do the job for less costs --. It is very un-likely that anyone would propose to spend over $ 650 million dollars in Oregon State -- just for new two-way radios. If some lame brain -- idiot does -- then the media will tell the citizens of Oregon and the Citizens can jump on the idiot train or not. For over $ 650 million dollars -- General Motors or Taco Bell -- would build two-way radios. And they would work -- just as well as any digital radio. It would sound like you had beans in your ears. LOL PS: Any Democrat that would propose to auction off - any radio spectrum -- is a Republican -- as well as a fool. :D :D

but what kind of a VHF system? Keep in mind this is Oregon...

They should stick with what works, not what's "better". My opinion thank you very much!! :!:

Well, to define it better, it looks like a "State of Oregon" issue, meaning state agencies. A lot of the counties have improved or redesigned their systems, at least 2 have MPT1327(debatable), 45% live in the metro area of Portland and have 800, a few others like Umatilla/Morrow have UHF trunking etc etc, if theirs are working, why change for the State. Isn't that what they are hoping for is more users to pay for the system?

Cash for spectrum isn't the worst idea I've ever heard of. It's actually made SOME things better.

When it affects our emergency services, Yes thats a bad thing. I think they'd be better off with cheap Rat Shack Walkie Talkies.

I wish these morons that have this hunger for digital would do a little reading on the subject or maybe notice why their cell phone does what it does.

Analog= static, but at least it's somewhat intelligible. Digital= R2D2 having phone sex with a dial up modem.

In my line of business, I'm eagerly awaiting 2009. Oh what fun what will be.

All of you will be pissed when you see what TV is going to turn into. (Except those with Satellite...you already know the pain)

_________________
I was depressed last night so I called Lifeline. I was transferred to a call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal, They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...

I dis-agree. Sounds nice. Sounds like a good idea -- but so does Socializm and Communizim. Pay -- as you go - for what you get. BUT -- radio waves are a Natural Resource. Like the trees in a forest. Radio waves are limited in number. Charge broadcasters a yearly fee -- based on profits. but selling off all spectrum -- only means -- who has the most cash -- will win it all. One or two large "networks" do not and can not serve 300 million persons -- equally. TV stations can and will sit on the licenses -- without providing local programming. Just turn on the TV after 10 PM and see how many stations have "paid programming" for hours and hours -. The solution is a "mix". Just what that "mix' is -- needs to be looked at by all. Users and providers of sevices.

First off I don't thing the state even has the kind of money to supplement this type of radio system statewide. The coffers at the state level can't even keep very many state troopers on the highways and makes it more of dangerous situation with the agressive drivers already on the road.

Second, I would be totally susprised if the state can come up with this kinda money if the governor has the funds budgeted.

Third, I see this kinds hard for fire and ems departments across the state even applying for FEMA and other grants just to upgrade their own radio systems to a system, that hasn't even been tried and trued.

If you take a look at FDNY, most of their radio systems didn't work, during pre 9/11, when the nation was struck point blank. Its really hard to say. I mean Oakridge and Westfir Police and Fire Departments don't even have the funds to provide the type of radio's we need for this type of thing.

Oakridge PD was able to get a small funding inline so they could be able to get digital radios to communicate with Eugene and Springfield Police on their digital systems.

Jeff

Lets stay on subject -- but to correct the statement about NYFD's radio failure -- the problem was a combination of VHF and UHF radio channels and not being able to have a radio system that would provide radio coverage "Inside" a high rise building. NYFD's main channels were VHF High Band -- (153 - 154 Mhz) with a couple of 460 mhz repeaters to provide fire-ground communications inside buildings. The FCC has given the Metro New York City area the use of an additional UHF TV channel ( TV 16 ) so that all communications will now take place on one band -- for both Police, Fire, EMS -- First Responders. The UHF radio frequencys work very well inside high rise buildings. Problem solved. Oregon's problems are need, costs and the system as a whole. As for Lane County, Oregon -- it is strange to see the Central County LAW all on UHF and the far eastside and far westside both still on VHF High Band. However -- this took place after a few years of the County trying to use UHF on the coast as well as in the mountain pass. Blame the local radio tech's that found that VHF worked better in those far end locations.