VANCOUVER – Rogers Communications announced Thursday it is investing in industry-leading wildfire detection and prevention technology and will use its national network and technology partnerships to help fight climate change-related events in communities across Canada.
Rogers is currently testing satellite-connected IoT sensors, using SpaceX’s low-bandwidth Swarm service, to better predict wildfires in remote areas of British Columbia without wireless networks, explains a press release.
Rogers is also introducing Pano AI cameras on the Rogers 5G network that can detect smoke up to a 20-kilometre range, according to the release. The AI cameras will be located on wireless towers near the B.C. communities of Fort St. James, Smithers and Chetwynd.
In addition, Rogers is donating satellite phones to the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association to support first responders, the release says.
This announcement builds on work Rogers is doing with SpaceX and Lynk Global to bring satellite-to-phone coverage to remote parts of Canada not served by traditional networks.
It also builds on ongoing 5G research by Rogers, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor key wildfire indicators.
“Now, real-time information from the satellite-connected sensors and tower cameras will be shared with BCWS and UBC to enable better detection and help first responders manage these devastating events,” the release says.
“Climate change is a global issue that requires urgent action. Communities across the country are facing the effects of unprecedented wildfires,” Tony Staffieri, Rogers president and CEO, said in the release. “We are proud to put our national network and technology partnerships to work to better detect fires and support Canadian first responders.”
“Early detection of wildfires is critical in preventing their spread to help protect communities and our forests,” said Sonia Kastner, CEO of Pano AI. “With the reach of Rogers 5G network, we are proud to work together to deploy our AI-powered cameras to detect, confirm and pinpoint new fire ignitions within minutes in some of the most remote parts of British Columbia.”
Dwight Yochim, CEO of the BC Search and Rescue Association, said communications are critical in search and rescue operations. “When cellular and two-way radio communications aren’t possible, alternative methods are necessary. Personal locator beacons are often used in these situations but are very limited in two-way communications,” Yochim said.
“The donation of satellite phones will have a direct positive impact on the safety of our 3,400 professional search and rescue members who volunteer every day to answer the call for help. It is a tremendous gift from Rogers and one that we are very grateful for,” he added.
