Radio communication and coverage for firefighters has improved since switching from wide band to narrow band frequencies, a switch made last August in accordance with federal regulations.

 

The FCC is requiring all public safety systems, including ChelanCounty Sheriff’s Department, to switch from wide band to narrow band by Jan. 1, 2013. According to the FCC Website, the switch will allow greater channel capacity and support more radio users.

 

ChelanCounty Sheriff’s Office originally planned for the changeover this spring, but has experienced some hang-ups that will push that date back.

 

New mountain top receivers were put in at FlagMountain, Chelan Butte and Lower Badger as part of a simulcast system, making overlap on the radio a thing of the past.

 

Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett says the switch will basically amount to an upgrade.

 

Sheriff Burnett says he expects the switchover to take place in September.

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