Emergency radio upgrade long overdue in this province
To better protect Manitobans and assist public safety organizations in dealing with emergencies, our government is significantly upgrading the province’s public safety communications with a digital radio system.
The new digital two-way mobile radio system will replace the outdated FleetNet service long used by Manitoba’s firefighting, ambulance and police services and the very high frequency (VHF) radios used by conservation officers and forest fire crews. Our government is investing $380 million in the new technology, which will enhance radio range and clarity, provide expanded coverage over a more secure network and improve the safety of first responders while they work to protect Manitobans.
Bell Mobility has been awarded a contract for the work following a tendering process, and will implement the system over the next three years to give public safety organizations across Manitoba the advanced technology for much greater safety and security. Bell Mobility will deliver the service and own and operate the system’s towers, radios and antennae, as well as other related infrastructure.
The new digital system will include radios equipped with GPS, which can track first responders’ locations for their safety, and will use an advanced radio encryption to keep police operations
secure. The equipment will be compatible with systems outside Manitoba to allow for co-ordination during emergencies.
The system will provide expanded coverage in northern Manitoba with five additional telecommunications towers, and new mobile tower units will bring further coverage where it’s needed on an emergency basis.
It’s our duty to ensure the safety of Manitobans. Effective and reliable communications technology is critical for saving lives, protecting first responders and keeping Manitoba’s communities safe, including in rural and remote areas. This is exactly what we are doing.
Our government’s investment in this new digital radio system will allow our province’s public safety organizations and crews to remain safe while they protect Manitobans, and will ensure vastly improved, strong and reliable communications for these organizations for decades to come.
Greg Nesbitt is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain constituency. He can be reached at 1-844-877-7767, 204-759-3313 or by email at gregnesbittmla@mymts.net.