KENORA — Today, the Ontario government announced it has selected Bell Mobility to rebuild core components of the aging Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN).
The new $765 million agreement will see Bell reconstruct core infrastructure, replace outdated equipment and maintain the new radio network.
Besides building the network's core, as well as support antennas, servers and data centre equipment, Bell will also provide first responders and dispatchers, with state-of-the-art radio equipment and consoles that enable quick and effective responses in emergency situations.
The deal also includes a 15-year contract for network and radio equipment maintenance services.
Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford made the announcement at the Emergency Management Services base in Kenora on Thursday.
According to the province, this project “will ensure Ontario's more than 38,000 frontline and emergency responders — including OPP officers, paramedics and hospital staff, forest fire services, provincial highway maintenance staff, as well as parks, enforcement and correctional officers — can count on the communications infrastructure, network and equipment they need when responding to emergencies.”
Transition to the new network will begin in 2021 and is scheduled to be fully operational by June 2023. Bell has selected Motorola as a primary vendor for the project.
“The new Motorola Solutions Astro 25 radio network will provide interoperable communications for the province's government ministries for day-to-day operations and when they need to coordinate a fast, multi-agency response to help keep communities safe,” said George Krausz, president of Motorola Solutions Canada in the press release.
