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function on its behalf to the Association of Public Safety Communications, Intl. (APCO), an international association of government telecommunications professionals. The Division is a member of APCO, and performs the frequency coordination function through that organization. Frequencies from the Highway Maintenance Radio Service are coordinated through the American of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Frequencies from the Forestry Radio Service are coordinated through the Forestry Conservation Communications Association, and Fire, EMS and Special Emergency Frequencies through the International Municipal Signal Association/International Association of Fire Chiefs.
The goal of the State Coordinator is to forward a coordinated application with a selected frequency in approximately 4 to 12 working days (depending on type of services). An applicant may expect to receive their radio station license within approximately 4 to 6 months after the filing date at the FCC. Since Georgia is bordered by 5 other states, coordination must be accomplished with those states to lessen the mutual interference between all users within 75 miles of state borders.
The purpose of the radio frequency coordination process is to ensure that state and local public safety agencies can communicate over a frequency that is relatively free of harmful interference. This capability of a clear radio transmission has a direct life and death impact at all levels of government. This coordination function is performed by the Division for all levels of government, from cities up to State agencies throughout the State. Due to the continuous changing of elected officials at the local levels and their budgetary constraints, the consolidation of the coordination process in an agency provides the continuity and technical expertise that could not be found at any other level of government. The centralization of this function meets the requirements of the FCC, while promoting economy and efficiency of State and local radio communications operations, and ensures that State requirements receive the proper priority and emphasis.
The Frequency Coordinator manages and administers the renewals and modifications of all radio station licenses for State agencies. This includes the planning, engineering and licensing of statewide systems for the Departments of Public Safety, Transportation, Corrections, and the Georgia Forestry Commission, among others. This results in centralized management of radio station licenses for all state departments and agencies. Licenses are maintained in database and hard copy files. Licenses are renewed, updated and modified as necessary. Current licenses are distributed to departments and agencies for posting at transmitter locations as required by FCC rules and regulations.
The state frequency coordinator is also the liaison to federal agencies. To ensure radio systems are compliant with applicable FCC, FAA and other federal government policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Inclusion of all LMR (Land Mobile Radio) licensed facilities in the FCC ULS (Universal Licensing System) and registration of Tax Identification Numbers (TIN). Compliance with FAA navigational, obstruction and clearance requirements and procedures for antenna and communications structures. Registration of antenna structures in accordance with FCC regulations and provide guidance on posting of ASR numbers at tower locations. Coordinate with Department of Agriculture, US Fish and Wildlife Services, and other federal agencies, for shared land use agreements for communications towers and transmitter stations on other than state owned properties.
The state frequency coordinator manages the allocation and assignment of 821 MHz frequencies on behalf of the Chairman, Region 10 Georgia, National Public Safety and Special Emergency Communications Plan.
For more information, contact:
Wray Hall, Georgia State Frequency Coordinator
Georgia Technology Authority
200 Piedmont Avenue, 1704 West
Atlanta, GA 30334-9010
(404) 656-2042 or fax (404) 657-0320
e-mail Wray Hall
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