LTC 093-2005 New 800 MHzAstro Trunked Simulcast Smart Zone Radio System CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 093-2005
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~ ~.~ ~
City Manager
New 800 MHz Astro Trunked Simulcast Smart Zone Radio System
Date: April 12, 2005
The City of Miami Beach has successfully upgraded the Public Safety Radio system to a
new Motorola 800 MHz ASTRO Trunked Simulcast SmartZone Radio System. The
system's design upgraded the City's communication network and expanded the systems
capabilities to meet changing demands, and has provided a path to meet future needs.
The 800 MHz ASTRO Trunked Simulcast SmartZone system has resolved the coverage
issues City's and opened the possibility for other agencies to be part of the Miami Beach
communications network. The system benefits include consistent audio quality throughout
the coverage area, integrated voice and data, secure audio capability, improved
compatibility and interoperability, and improved system coverage.
The system provides "mixed mode" operation, which enables Public Safety users to
migrate to IMBE digital voice while retaining analog capability on all channels so that non-
Public Safety users within the City of Miami Beach may continue to utilize their analog
radios. (We received 375 "almost new" analog radios, as a result of negotiations from
Motorola at no charge for distribution to non-public safety staff.) In addition, other agencies
such as the Cities of Miami and Hialeah may continue to access analog mutual aid Talk
groups.
Another benefit of the system is the ability to provide simulcast transmission from three (3)
sites, which are Tower 41, Parkview Plaza and Council Towers. This results in improved
building penetration throughout the City's seven mile coverage area. Both Public Safety
and non-Public Safety users will benefit from this improvement. The main radio system site
has been moved to the Miami Beach Police Station, thus eliminating the need for the tower
at Fire Station number 2. Motorola is currently working on the demolition of the Tower and
expects to be completed no later than April 15.
JMG\ DW~
c. Executive staff