Canadian Provinces Collaborate on Radio System

Three Canadian provinces have signed a four-year memorandum of understand to explore the development of a Maritime-wide mobile radio communications system. Will the deal bring the provinces one step closer to interoperable communications?

According to an article on the MissionCritical Communication website, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia each currently operate an independent mobile radio system. All have signed the agreement, as they are in the process of renewing their systems for their respective emergency response organizations.

“The partnership may include collaborating on procurement, and sharing the cost and operation of a next-generation, interprovincial system,” the article says. “The provinces will also work together in exploring federal funding to support the initiative.”

Under the joint agreement, a working group, made up of one representative from each province, will consult with stakeholders and develop a plan to bring the project forward to government. The goal is to have a Maritime-wide mobile communications system in place in 2011.

“I am pleased to work with my counterparts in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to formalize our partnership and explore federal funding for this initiative,” said Prince Edward Island Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Carolyn Bertram. “A Maritime-wide public-safety radio system would not only benefit our province as we explore options to replace the mobile radio and pager system currently in use, it will increase efficiency and enable us to provide seamless emergency communications among our three neighboring provinces.”

To read the full article, click here: http://www.radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=3363