Joining the Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System would cost Knox County nearly $1 million more than the county buying its own digital radio system, as well as deprive the E-911 Center of nearly $2 million in revenue and expose the county’s E-911 system to extensive hidden upgrade costs.
Those are the conclusions reached by Blue Wing, a radio consultant hired by the Knox County E-911 Board of Directors to compare and contrast the regional system with a proposed $8.9 million Harris Corp. radio system.
The consultant also warned of the potential loss of control over local radios supported by the regional system based in Chattanooga.
“The perception is that this lower cost will result in greater coverage and interoperability for Knox County emergency responders,” the report notes. “However, our analysis has resulted in conclusions that are different from what may appear to be true at first glance.
“Therefore, when all aspects of system costs are considered, the (regional) option will cost Knox County more over the lifespan of the system.”