The Government of Canada has announced a $3 million CAD commitment in 2017-2018 to engage various stakeholders and research ways of implementing a potential “Public Safety Broadband Network” (PSBN). PSBNs are high-speed wireless data networks which can be used by emergency responders and public safety personnel to more easily communicate with each other.
The federal government says it will be looking for stakeholders from all fields, including provincial, territorial and municipal governments, the telecommunications industry and academia.
These stakeholders will assist the government with analysis of existing capabilities and innovative solutions, infrastructure, technical and security requirements, costs and more.
“First responders face several communications challenges during a crisis,” said Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development in a press release.
“By investing in evidence-based analysis and engaging with diverse stakeholders, we are ensuring that we assess possible options for the potential implementation of a Public Safety Broadband Network. This investment will help us to learn more about the views and experiences of provinces, territories, municipalities industry and the public safety community, and the challenges they face in keeping Canadians safe.”
A dedicated “Federal PSBN Task Team” as been created to advance work in this area. The group is made up of representatives from Public Safety Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), and Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS).
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Source: Newswire
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