Newly allocated bandwidth to help emergency responders
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It could help save your life one day, now that front-line workers will use newly allocated bandwidth to send photos and videos of crime scenes, making things easier for future workers.
Industry Canada got control of 700 megahertz after Canadians switched from analog to digital and emergency workers will get to use a tenth of that.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews says it’s a huge relief for first responders like firefighters, officers and paramedics.
“I know this is something that the responder community has been waiting for, and my department will continue to work with provincial, territorial partners to recommend an additional 10 megahertz.”
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Toews explains a portion of that will benefit front-line workers. “It will allow for the development of next generation first responder applications that bring together voice, video, and data together on a single platform.”
VPD Chief Jim Chu says the bandwidth is handy because we’re close to the border, and in the event of a natural disaster, it’ll be easier work with crews south of the line.
“If video was taken at a scene of crime, we can send that video to police officers who are responding in their vehicles, or perhaps have handheld devices.”
Chu says the spectrum of bandwidth is valuable because it can travel long distances and through buildings.
