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• <br />ANALYSIS• <br />In 1995, the FCC implemented the Frequency Re -farming Act. This act established different <br />levels of prionty use for any frequency below 512 MHz UHF. The Re -farming Act gave a higher <br />level of priority to voice communication, with a lower priority being given to non -voice <br />communication. (See attached letter). As previously stated, the Department of Utility Services is <br />communication priority. The Frequency Re -farming Act has legally allowed voice <br />communication companies such as Telecom Network, Inc., the use of frequencies already <br />assigned to non -voice users such as Indian River County. <br />The problem that staff is now presented with, is that the interference will continue to cause a loss <br />of monitoring and control of the County system, unless some type of corrective action is taken. <br />Staff has requested and received from Data Flow Systems, Inc., several options that will resolve <br />the problem. (See attached letter). <br />Option # 1: <br />Option # 2: <br />Purchase and document the higher license priority's legal rights to the 452.200 <br />MHz UHF frequency from Telecom Network, Inc., for the amount of $30 000. <br />Switch the system to an available UHF frequency other than the 452.200 MHz <br />UHF frequency. <br />Relicense 227 sites to a new UHF frequency $ 22,700 <br />Retune all 227 radios to a new UHF frequency $ 41,997 <br />TOTAL $ 64,697 . <br />Option # 3: Convert the system to an available VHF frequency <br />Replace and re -license all 227 UHF radios with 227 VHF radios. <br />TOTAL $ 429,030 <br />Data Flow Systems, Inc , has recommended Option # 1 as the most cost-effective option. Based- <br />upon this recommendation, staff has contacted Telecom Network, Inc., to confirm a willingness <br />of sale and purchase price of $30,000. Telecom Network, Inc., has confirmed the purchase <br />prices, and provided a draft agreement for the purchase. Staff would like permission to pursue <br />Option # 1, and purchase the higher priority legal rights for the 452.200 MHz UHF frequency for <br />the amount of $30,000. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />It is staff's recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners approve the request <br />to proceed with Option # 1, to purchase the higher legal rights for the 452.200 MHz UHF <br />frequency from Telecom Network, Inc., in the amount of $30,000. It is staffs intent, at a <br />later date, to bring back to the Board the Contract of Sale as a separate agenda item. <br />• <br />MAY 21, 2002 <br />• <br />-67- <br />J td <br />