Canadian first responders receive Motorola LTE network

A Motorola Solutions dedicated public safety wireless network has been implemented by the Halton Regional Police Service.

This will be Canada’s first public safety LTE wireless network for first responders only.

With the addition of a secure wireless network used by more than 1000 members, first responders will be able to access and share information vital for heightened situational awareness, preserving the radio system for crucial voice communications.

In a digital age, policing has become more complex with the need for both mission-critical voice communications and the ability to securely share data on a wireless network. For years, first responders have used voice radio to transmit messages to police officers and other public safety partners including neighboring police agencies in order to coordinate assistance to the public.

As the region has experienced unprecedented growth and modernisation of technology, voice radio communication must be supplemented with data in order to provide detailed information to responders.

Recent changes in radio spectrum availability made by the federal government, in collaboration with the chiefs of police, fire and medical services across the country, have paved the way for wireless public safety data systems.

For a frontline officer, their cruiser and computer is their platform for response to calls for service and major incidents. At present, officers relay data through commercial networks which are designed for public use. Obtaining priority and access on these networks in times of crisis concurrent to public use can result in the inability for officers to obtain vital information when needed the most.

“Accessing this new technology gives Halton First Responders the dependable platform they need to respond efficiently to calls for service and major incidents. The federal government allocated this wireless spectrum for public safety agencies for good reason,” said Deputy Chief Duraiappah, Halton Regional Police Service.

“Every patrol officer in Halton will soon be operating on our own wireless LTE network.”

The Motorola Solutions LTE network will be used by officers exclusively to instantly access data on their computers or mobile devices such as dispatch information, records information, GPS data, maps, pictures, videos and real-time analytics for day-to-day operations and during emergencies.

The Halton Police LTE network core will be available to other public safety agencies that are looking to use a public safety-dedicated broadband network.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Mario Beauregard

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