Arizona City’s Radio System Gets Boost From New Tower

A new radio tower at the top of Thompson Peak near Scottsdale, Ariz., gives the city an opportunity to improve its public safety network.

The Scottsdale City Council approved an agreement earlier this month with the Department of Public Safety to install a microwave dish and antennas on the 180-foot tower.

The Arizona Republic reports that the original two towers that connect with sites in Pinal and Maricopa counties were at capacity.

The third tower completed in May joins two storage buildings and a helipad on Thompson Peak.

Scottsdale spokeswoman Shannon Tolle says the city expects to pay DPS about $2,200 a year for space on the tower and electrical costs.

The city spent $125,000 on the microwave dish that also will back up its water resources communications system.