They also considered a 150 megahertz system. But the channels in that range, which are allocated by the Federal Communications Commission, were already reserved. They ultimately settled on the high-band frequency of 450 megahertz. It doesn't have to battle these other noise factors that are out there. Some of the other noise factors border on the surreal.
Officials also say growth has exacerbated the problem.
Unfortunately, low-band is susceptible to that pollution. For example, the screw-on antennas for portable radios used by local police and fire agencies, previously manufactured by General Electric, are no longer available. The county tried fixing its radio problems in the 1980s, but ran into controversy at the ballot box. Officials say the reason for its failure was obvious. A handful of radio buffs publicly blasted the plan, instilling enough doubt among voters to sink it.