COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT ON 800 MHZ

In March 1981, the Department of California Highway Patrol (CHP) entered into agreement #80-C477 with the Department of General Services, Communications Division, for an assessment of the newly established 800 MHz frequency spectrum for use as a statewide mobile radio communications system. In that this technology has broad implications affecting many State agencies, the scope of this report has been expanded to fulfill the requirements of the CHP and address other potential applications. The elements of this report include: (1) a review of the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) Project 16 studies on 800 MHz, commissioned by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration; (2) an analysis of 800 MHz radio propagation characteristics and a discussion of biological effects; (3) a summary of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning use of the 800 MHz spectrum; (4) a review of 800 MHz equipment and technologies; and (5) a discussion of potential 800 MHz applications by the State's public safety agencies. The APCO Project 16 report concludes that police use of the 800 MHz radio spectrum is technically feasible and as appropriate for police use as the frequency bands (150 MHz and 450 MHz) implemented in the past 20 years. The report also notes that trunking technology (i.e., the automatic search by equipment for one unused frequency in a group of frequencies) would not improve congested police communications but would be valuable in a radio system shared by several public agencies. The decision to implement an 800 MHz mobile radio communications system ultimately lies with individual State agencies. It is a technical alternative proven viable by many public and private users throughout the United States. Given the limited radio communications resources available in other frequency bands and, at the same time, the higher cost for equipment in the 800 MHz band, many factors must be considered in the final decision. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  California Department of General Services

  915 Capitol Mall, Suite 590
  Sacremento, CA  United States  95814

  California Highway Patrol

  2555 1st Avenue
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95818
• Publication Date: 1982-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Communication systems; Frequency (Electromagnetism); Police; Radio; State government; Utilization
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00393771
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM