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system with radios attached at various places. As a result, it is clear that the technology already does provide much enhanced functionality that is of great value to public safety radio users. Of more importance, however, the computer technology represented by a wide-area IP addressable network will clearly provide many advanced features and much new functionality that will be developed at a very rapid rate and will be commonly available from multiple radio providers so that competitive bids for equipment that will provide many ofthose advanced features will be possible. For this reason, even though implementing a stand-alone, analog 800 MHz tiunked radio system is an option as a lower cost compared to the Mn/DOT 800 MHz, digital modulation radio system, use of the MnlDOT radio system is recommended if the total replacement direction is selected. This new radio system communicates in a digital format end-to-end. The new MnlDOT system architecture is fully consistent with the current trends in computer and communications technology. There is every indication that this architecture will be the basic architecture in use through much of the 21 st century. 4.3.3 Alternative System Direction Cost Issues In Section 3.4.2, the cost estimate for the recommended enhanced VHF radio system alternative is shown as $4.75 million. That cost includes simulcasting, which is recommended, ifthat direction is chosen for implementation in Anoka County. If a total replacement alternative is chosen by Anoka County, it is recommended that the alternative be the MnlDOT 800 MHz, digital modulation radio system at a total cost of $10.64 million. Therefore, in this report it is concluded that the minimum expenditure necessary to bring public safety land mobile radio systems to at least an acceptable level in Anoka County will cost $4.7 million. The incremental difference in cost to go from enhancing an existing system to bring it to an acceptable level for some period of years, probably less than ten years, and the cost of a system that will fully meet the land mobile requirements of public safety entities in Anoka County is a little more than $6 million. The recommendation in this report is that the citizens of Anoka County choose the system that will fully meet the requirements and needs of public safety entities in Anoka County and that is use of the Mn/DOT 800 MHz, digital modulation land mobile radio system. Not only will that system meet all of the needs, but the system is likely to last well into the 21 st century. In considering the estimated cost of that system, $10.64 million, it must be remembered that most or all ofthe funding to pay for that system will have to come from the citizens of Anoka County. Some of the funding might be made available by the Minnesota Legislature, but at least most of the $10.64 million will have to come from citizens of the County. Expenditure of that amount will provide a radio system that will provide the highest level of safety possible for firefighter and law enforcement personnel functioning out in the field in life and death situations. Any lesser system will provide a lesser level of safety as there is always some less possibility of being able to communicate when it is absolutely essential to do so unless the very best system is Ronald Vegemast Engineering, Inc. -37- Report: Anoka County