Access to radio tower to improve emergency communications, save money

Access to a radio tower in Marina will help improve emergency communications in Monterey County at a lower cost.

Monterey County reached an agreement with Marina Coast Water District to use the Sprint telecommunications tower on their site. Emergency services in the county will now be able to utilize a high-tech communication system through the Next Generation Radio Project. NGEN uses narrowband and digital trunking technology. The upgrade is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

One of the agencies that will benefit is the Monterey County Regional Fire District. Division Chief David Sargenti told KION over the phone that the move is very helpful.

The agreement also saves the county $90,000, waiving a previous Sprint sublease fee for space on the tower.