New York State begins all-access radio network

| 06.20.2006 | 04:50:327488 |

June 20 '06: New York State officials have announced a formal gathering of first responders and state and local leaders who have been invited to attend a meeting on the creation of a Statewide Wireless Network which will link communications throughout the state and eliminate "dead spots" to improve communication and interoperability standards. Construction of the network began last September and was the first "comprehensive upgrade to many of the state's emergency radio systems in more than 30 years." New York State Chief Information Officer James T. Dillon said, "Reliable, timely communication is often cited as the number one factor for first responders to effectively answer the call to an emergency. ... I encourage all local governments to explore the benefits that partnership in this essential project can bring."

Similar measures to interlink radio networks for first responders have been underway in other parts of the country. In Washington DC, Washington Technology reported that the Wireless Accelerated Responder Network was built to give first responders access "to use voice over IP and to access high-speed data feeds, such as live video, on their laptop computers."

In New York, the SWN will allow users to have access to three different types of wireless technology which will provide coverage to more than 95 percent of the state and cover about 97 percent of New York's roadways. The three different technologies - OpenSky, P25IP, and Network First, will "allow the state to achieve interoperability among all users," the New York State press release read.

New York State Homeland Security Director James W. McMahon said, the network will help link first responder agencies with federal, state, local and tribal officials in the event of an emergency by providing an all-access radio network. "SWN will provide the vital interoperable communications backbone first responders at the local, State and federal level need to effectively respond to and mitigate any type of hazard including acts of terrorism."