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Motorola outlines timeline for Carter County TACN radio upgrade; White Rock road access, geotech and permits remain next steps
Summary
Motorola Solutions and county staff presented detailed plans to join the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), described equipment ordered and enumerated regulatory steps required for the White Rock and Avery sites; TACN committed $1,089,864 to the project and the county must complete road access and geotechnical work to proceed.
Motorola Solutions staff presented a multi‑phase update on July 21 about the county’s planned two‑site ASTRO 25 simulcast system that will join the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN). Communications Officer Mark Ridings introduced the presentation; Motorola and TACN representatives described technical scope, vendor commitments and the sequence of civil, environmental and historic‑preservation steps needed before tower construction can begin.
Motorola said equipment for the White Rock and Avery sites has been ordered (D‑series RF stations, a virtualized prime site, and Aviat microwave links) and that TACN has committed $1,089,864 toward the project. Presenters emphasized the regulatory and permitting pathway: site surveys, geotechnical testing, FAA and FCC reviews (ASR), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review, a NEPA/environmental assessment and consultation with tribes where applicable. For the White Rock site — on U.S. Forestry land — Motorola noted approval for land use was obtained in March 2025 but additional geotechnical work and an RFP for road construction are required; county staff said they are drafting the RFP to meet USFS requirements for road access.
Motorola indicated a target for construction and system completion before ARPA funds expire in December 2026, but the company cautioned the schedule depends on timely federal/state reviews and county completion of access work. TACN also intends to assume post‑warranty system‑usage agreements and maintenance responsibility for certain contributing sites after year one.
County officials said they will return with another update in a few weeks and that the county will provide finalized documents (MOUs and signed agreements) to Motorola. The presentation included projected coverage maps, technical descriptions and a preliminary schedule of milestones required to meet permitting and construction deadlines.
