Interesting Desert Sun story

[MullinsBroadcast]

Indio joins ‘ERICA'
Cities to purchase emergency system
By Xochitl Peña • The Indio Sun • July 25, 2008

Indio is joining forces with three other valley cities to establish a communications system that will allow all police and fire agencies involved to stay in contact.

Currently, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs police departments use radio systems on different frequencies and cannot talk to each other directly.

A Joint Powers Agreement will be formed between the four cities — which all operate their own police departments — to create the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Communications Authority, also known as ERICA.

This will help plans move forward for the new communications system hoped to be in operation as early as September 2009.

“We believe by moving to this technology you'll have better response, better communication — better communication that translates to saving lives,” said Indio police Capt. Richard Banasiak.

The authority would own the equipment — a digital 800 MHZ Interoperable system — that puts portable radios in the hands of all participants, including fire and police personnel and public works department employees.

The system will allow the four cities to connect to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's new system.

Banasiak said the system is expected to cost $16 million to $20 million.

[brandon]

Does this have something to do with the 800 MHz freqs licensed to Indio?
855.2375
855.7375
857.2625

[zz0468]

Does this have something to do with the 800 MHz freqs licensed to Indio?
855.2375
855.7375
857.2625

No, but don't be surprised if these frequencies end up being part of the "pool". I would expect the same of Palm Springs 800 frequencies. Frequently, when a JPA is formed, the member agencies pool resources, like frequencies. If they're smart, each agency will retain their own licenses on the frequencies they currently have, in case the JPA falls apart at a later date. It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays out. It's been anticipated by a few of us in the industry for about 5 or 6 years.