Originally Posted by
morno
Nope, been like that for years, mostly for COBT compliance.
From my limited experience "WHEN READY FOR PUSH BACK OR TAXI CTC COORDINATOR 127.6" is used to manage the workload on Ground East 121.7, reduce the number of calls they receive and better mange the ground traffic, much the way that tugs call 127.6 with their initial request.
It can also be very effective tool when there is a probability of a runway change as it better "controls" the traffic and allows 127.6 to amend the clearance, and the Ground controllers to focus on the traffic on the taxiways.
It can also be used when Ground East and West are being done by a single controller, once again to manage workload. If Ground East and West are being done by a single controller and it is "busy" then it would be fair to say that it's because the Tower is operating on reduced staffing numbers but not enough to issue a NOTAM.
I notice Melbourne Tower does something similar from time to time but they use the Delivery frequency (127.2).
Staffing shortages are across the network, some are very obvious (TRA/TIBA), other less obvious.
If it has "been like that for years" then it should be in ERSA as a published procedure and not on the ATIS.