State To Request $5.1 Million For New Radio System
Over the next seven years, Wyoming plans to spend $51 million to implement a statewide radio network, called WyoLink, that will improve communications among local, state, and federal first responders during emergencies.
The new system will connect all mobile radio frequencies in the state and improve coverage to 94 percent whereas, just 83 percent of the state is currently covered.
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal supports the plan–which has a pilot program of the system operating by 2005 with most law enforcement and medical personnel joining by 2007–because it will save money, improve communications, and save lives.
The state plans to ask the Legislature for $5.1 million next year to start the design process, and public safety agencies are free to join the system at any time and receive grant money to do so.
A steering committee meeting, planned for Dec. 1, will discuss security options such as encryption, as well as links between current technology and digital systems.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (11/06/03); Cooke, Sarah.