PROVINCIAL PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO NETWORK GIVES USERS BREAK ON COSTS

Released on November 25, 2009

Potential users of the province's new public safety radio telecommunications network will see their monthly operating fees and purchase of compatible radios made affordable to them, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert said in an announcement today.

The new network is being built on the existing SaskPower/RCMP system, and when completed, will provide public safety radio communications coverage to virtually the entire province. The project began in 2002, and when completed at the end of 2010, will see a total investment of $130 million. It will move nearly 2,200 public safety radio users from SaskTel's FleetNet system, which is scheduled to be wound down in December, 2010.

"This network reflects the government's commitment to working with partners to ensure the safety and security of our citizens in this province," Huyghebaert said. "The new system will ensure continued effective mobile coverage and communication for emergency services and agencies responding to public safety calls across Saskatchewan."

Subscribers to the provincial public safety network will pay $40 per month per radio to be on the system. The actual operating cost per radio on the system is $90 a month. The difference between the actual monthly cost and the subscriber fee will be funded through a 24-cent increase to the Sask911 charge on consumers' telephone bills. This will bring the charge for this service to 83 cents a month.

Additionally, 1,610 radios will be provided free of charge to non-government agencies based on their ability to pay for this equipment and their operational need. The province has earmarked $4.5 million for purchase of these radios during the current fiscal year.

"It was important to make this system affordable to public safety users across the province, so that all of them could be on the network," Huyghebaert said. "The ability for emergency responders to talk to one another is always critical and it becomes more so when dealing with the kinds of large-scale emergencies we're seeing more and more of in Saskatchewan."

"Emergency response is an important component of the services provided to urban residents," Vice-President for Towns on the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Renauld Bissonnette said on behalf of Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association President Allan Earle. "The provincial public safety network provides assurance that the effective, timely delivery of public safety telecommunications services can seamlessly continue."

"The assistance provided to volunteer services operating in smaller communities through the radio purchase program means increased participation on the network, which will serve rural residents well," Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President David Marit said.

Public safety users will start moving on to the new system in spring, 2010.

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For more information, contact:

Linsay Rabyj
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626
Email: linsay.rabyj@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-540-4945

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233