Meeting future communications needs
Assistant Commissioner Information Systems Peter Halliday explained the need for a new communications system in an interview with OffBeat.
"In very simple terms, we need a new telephone system," said Mr Halliday.
"The system we have at the moment provided by Nortel Networks (then Northern Telecommunications) was installed in the early 1990s and has a serviceable lifespan of 15 years. In other words, we need to replace it in two to three years' time.
"The existing system has served us well but it's old technology. So we need a replacement system to keep up with advancing technology and reduce maintenance costs," he explained.
With the emergence of '3-G' technology and the development of technology allowing the merging of voice and data transmission, the consultant will define the future strategic direction of fixed line communications within the Force, ensuring that these continue to conform to world standards.
At present, the Force has two separate networks to handle data and voice transmission. Mr Halliday said: "Fundamentally, I can't see why we cannot combine the transmission of both voice and data using a single communications system. This will be a focal area for study by our consultant, Arup Communications."
Other aspects of the consultancy study include video conferencing, wireless-telephone communications and Internet-based telephone systems.
Mr Halliday said that Arup Communications would evaluate the performance and deficiencies of existing systems, and also consult widely throughout the Force to gain an understanding of users' requirements. The information gathered will provide valuable input into the technical and operational specifications for the future systems. The survey will cover all fixed line communications systems including telephones, computers and associated equipment.
The consultant started interviewing a representative cross-section of the Force on December 6 and all interviews are scheduled to be completed before December 21.
"The consultancy report to be submitted by Arup Communications in March 2002 will form the basis of our bid for funding for a replacement fixed line communications system for the Force.
"The study is very much a collaboration amongst three parties: our customers in the Force, the consultant and us. We will work closely with the consultant and our customers to develop a cost-effective communications system which will not only meet the needs of the Force but also match the pace of communications development elsewhere in the world," Mr Halliday pledged.
'We need a new telephone system'