Release of Canada’s Public Safety Broadband Network Final Report
A Canadian approach to implementation of the next generation of public safety communications.
The Public Safety Broadband Innovation Alliance (PIA) congratulates and thanks the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers responsible for Emergency Management on releasing the Temporary National Coordination Office (TNCO) report: A Public Safety Broadband Network for Canada.
The PIA, a not-for-profit organization that represents over 65 first responder, public safety, and innovative industry organizations, said it is proud to have contributed to the development of the TNCO report. There is tremendous value in the creation of an interconnected Canadian Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) that is interoperable, resilient, provides equitable public safety access in support of lifesaving 911 services for all Canadians, and is supported by strong governance.
PIA Endorsement
The PIA formally endorses the ten PSBN principles and five recommendations laid out within the TNCO report. The PIA also believes that the highlighted shared, or hybrid network approach, with a focus on a regional distribution model that considers 911, and community safety and wellbeing needs, is the only viable solution to meet Canada’s unique requirements. From supporting traditionally under serviced communities, to creating disaster-proof telecom infrastructure, flexible PSBN policies can be key lifesaving tools for Canada’s 911 First Responders.
PIA Leadership & Innovation
The PIA successfully governs Canada’s first and only operational PSBN which already covers over 2.5 million residents, and is cooperatively run by Halton and Peel Regional Police Services. This PSBN has successfully operated without any system outages and has supported critical public safety data communications for over 275,000 calls for service in the Region of Halton alone.
In just two short years, the PIA and its PSBN has also established a number of innovative public safety telecom firsts, including the launch of the first set of Canada’s Low Earth Orbit satellite tests for multi-network first responder communications. This test was conducted in partnership with Ontario based Telesat. The PIA was also able to provide critical public safety data access for the Hamilton Police during the 2021 Grey Cup Game and the 2022 NHL Heritage Classic Game — ensuring the safety and security of all 26,000 fans in attendance at each event.
The PIA applauds the work of the governments involved in developing and implementing the TNCO report, and looks forward to continuing to advocate for the deployment of an interconnected, resilient, and seamless PSBN within Canada.
Download the report here.
Quotes
“The PSBN Innovation Alliance has provided strong leadership on behalf of first responders for the creation and operation of resilient Public Safety Broadband Networks within Canada. We will continue to advocate and progress our goal of ensuring that Canadian emergency personnel are provided with the cutting-edge tools and 24/7 mission critical communications coverage that they need to carry out their lifesaving 911 roles both now and in the future,” said Managing Director of the PIA and Deputy Peel Regional Police Chief Anthony Odoardi.
“The PIA has been a key voice for first responders in advocating for an equitable and public safety-oriented vision for mission critical telecommunications policies in Canada. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to stand with the PIA as we move forward to build this critical lifesaving ‘network of networks’ system for Canadians, and we applaud the governments involved in moving this critical project forward,” said Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police President Chief Danny Smyth.
“The value of PSBN services to critical 911 operations – and in particular for new lifesaving digital tools for firefighters – has been well established in countries around the world that have already deployed this technology. It’s time for Canada to move forward with a model that helps both first responders and the communities they serve. The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is a proud member participating in the PIA’s work to establish an optimal PSBN framework for Canada,” said Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs President Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood.
“Ontario’s and Canada’s PSBN system will be the critical technology framework for 911 operations over the next 25 years. First responder access to ‘always-on’ critical data in the moments that matter, across natural disasters and during day-to-day 911 calls, will help save countless lives over the years ahead. The PIA’s innovative PSBN model can also be a key telecom policy tool to help to promote 911 wireless access across Canada – no matter the location or existing infrastructure,” said Halton Regional Police Service Chief Stephen Tanner.
“The PIA was founded by visionary first responder agencies, with a strong membership comprised of active and innovative public safety agencies, critical infrastructure entities, and leading communications service providers. We are firm advocates for flexible policies and solutions that help bridge the rural and remote broadband digital divide in Canada and enhance municipal and regional public safety through reliable and secure communications," said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
“Access to reliable, high-speed Internet and 5G connectivity is essential for first responders and for the safety of Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The PIA’s approach of integrating the advanced Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit satellite network into the Public Safety Broadband Network will seamlessly extend the reach of public safety networks to every remote community in Canada. This will ensure uninterrupted, resilient communications to keep all communities and citizens safe, while providing our first responders and public safety officers access to key data and applications to perform mission-critical services in rural and remote areas,” said Telesat’s Head of Public Policy Stephen Hampton.
