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Newton County commissioners seek fixes after digital radio upgrade leaves fire departments out of range
Summary
Commissioners heard that a recent digital radio upgrade left areas north of FM 1414 with limited radio coverage for volunteer fire departments; the court directed staff to get vendor pricing and options to restore countywide vehicle and handheld communications.
Newton County commissioners on the dais heard extensive testimony that a recent move to digital (P25) radio systems has left volunteer fire departments unable to reach vehicle or county repeaters in large parts of the county.
At the discussion, fire-department representatives and commissioners described dead zones north of FM 1414 and noted that many handheld units remain analog and cannot access the new digital channels. A fire representative said a small number of upgraded handhelds would restore critical communications for one department: "If I…
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