Apr 15, 2005 11:43 AM

Seeking to bolster radio communications for all city personnel, Independence, Mo., plans to deploy a 700 MHz trunked radio system that will be funded largely by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to the Examiner, a newspaper covering eastern Jackson County, Mo.

With the 700 MHz system, Independence is expected to realize 94% effective coverage of its jurisdiction for mobile police, fire and utility personnel, according to the story. The city’s current system provides 68% effective coverage for police radios and 86% effective coverage for fire department radios.

In addition to the improved coverage, the 700 MHz system will let disparate city departments communicate with each other via radio, with trunking and encryption—all firsts for Independence.

Many governmental entities in the U.S. are unable to deploy systems in the 700 MHz band because broadcasters have not been required to clear the airwaves. However, that is not a factor in Independence, as only Channel 62 in Kansas City remains in the desired frequencies, according to the Examiner story.

Independence officials have estimated the 700 MHz system—requiring six new towers—will cost $7.3 million, $5.5 million of which will come from a DHS grant. The rest of the money will come from a voter-approved sales tax.

Independence has not contracted with a vendor for the project but is considering Motorola, according to the article.

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