10/7/13 Communication towers carry benefits for private, public sectors
By Nick Sabo
October 2, 2013
430
SUMMARY: New system for county should be operational by year end
Towers that will carry radio equipment for emergency responders and county agencies could also be of benefit to the countys private sector as well.
Construction is underway on two communication towers, located in Berlin and Knox townships, that will carry upgraded, narrow band digital radio systems for law enforcement and fire personnel, among others. The Berlin Township tower is mostly complete, looming 420 feet above County Road 120 on land donated by Robin Industries.
The towers are being constructed because of a deal struck between communications company Futronics and the Holmes County Commissioners. Futronics got free land, provided by the county, to construct the two new towers. The county benefits because it will be given free space on the towers for its radio equipment. Futronics will have two new towers that it can put its own equipment on and lease space to commercial users.
The leased space appeals to everyone from internet providers to utility companies, Holmes County GIS director Eric Parker said.
It will be of benefit to anyone who has (a business) here and needs radio coverage, but cant afford to put up a tower of their own, Parker said. Anytime you have that coverage above the terrain, youre going to have interest.
Futronics engineer Mike Gruss said the company does not comment on projects that are underway. According to Futronics website, www.futronics.us/, the company has a network of tower sites in Michigan and Ohio that offer excellent range and are strategically located to be utilized by a wide variety of wireless systems. Services listed by Futronics include lease of tower space, two-way radio and antenna installation.
The countys communication equipment will utilize a digital trunking system. The system allows multiple channels assigned to a specified group of users known as a talkgroup. Rather than one shared channel with multiple conversations going on at once, the trunking system allows uninterrupted, two-way communications between specified users in the talkgroup. It can further go to an emergency channel that communicates with all members of the talkgroup.
Parker said the channels can be used similar to a one-on-one phone call.
Instead of seven different conversations going at one time, you can create a talkgroup where two are talking and no one else can hear them, Parker said. Lets say the sheriffs office is conducting a drug raid. They can go on a talkgroup without anyone else being able to hear it.
Even with one talkgroup engaged, there will be multiple channels still open for others to use.
The system will be used on a daily basis by the sheriffs office, county engineers office and firefighting/EMS agencies, Parker said. In the case of a major emergency, all emergency personnel and partners will be activated on one channel, an all call talkgroup, Parker said. Partnering agencies in the case of a major emergency include the health district, Pomerene Hospital and Millersburg Police.
A complete switch-over to the new system is expected by the end of the year, Parker said.
The countys communication system is currently on leased space on two towers. The county pays a total of $1,200 per month for the leases.
