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any system. TETRA is in use throughout the world except North America, with many systems fully operational. Pricing for infrastructure and for subscriber radio equipment is relatively low, with top of the line mobile and portable radios reportably priced around $800.00 primarily due to intense competition and high volume production. Introduction of TETRA radio equipment in the United States has been delayed apparently for two reasons. The first of those reasons is that Motorola holds certain U.S. patents with rights needed to that intellectual information before TETRA radios can be sold in this country. Motorola has so far been unwilling to negotiate rights to that technology, however, it is believed that Motorola will give rights in trade for other rights to other intellectual property that Motorola desires. The second reason is that there may be a problem with FCC rules in regard to radio electrical characteristics for which a waiver is needed and the FCC has yet to consider that issue. Operation in the simulcast mode is not possible with TETRA and therefore TETRA is an inefficient frequency user in a system like that needed in the Minneapolis -St. Paul region. It is possible that there may not be enough frequencies to build a TETRA system in this metropolitan region. Costs to implement a TETRA system in Anoka County are unknown, however, a relatively expensive infrastructure will be needed that will probably result in costs similar to the two 800 MHz alternatives described in this report. TETRA will also mean that the ability to intercommunicate with land mobile radio users in non- TETRA systems will be difficult and expensive to accomplish. There is a memorandum of understanding signed by four of the European manufacturers of TETRA equipment that is used to coordinate their activities related to the introduction of TETRA technology to the United States and Canada. That group of manufacturers has promised to provide Anoka County with a pro forma TETRA system design with pricing for a stand alone TETRA system serving the county. As of this writing, that design and pricing has not been delivered. 3.4 COST ESTIMATES FOR ALTERNATIVES 3.4.1 Cost Estimates for Items that are Independent of Radio System Alternative Selected Some items are needed regardless of the radio system alternative selected. They are mobile radio installation, fire radio paging improvements, backup dispatch facility and equipment, test equipment and training, and more law enforcement dispatch center radio operator personnel. Cost estimates for each of those items is discussed in this section of this report. Ronald Vegemast Engineering, Inc. -27- Report: Anoka County