[Scan-DC] Metro Radio Upgrade

[Punworg]

D.C. subway's radio system upgraded
The Associated Press
Thursday, April 15, 2004


WASHINGTON - Warning that public transit is a "prime
target for terrorists," Mayor Anthony A. Williams
yesterday announced the expansion of a wireless
network to the city's Metrorail tunnels.

Four years ago, District of Columbia firefighters'
hand-held radios were not working as they tried to
rescue trapped subway passengers during a tunnel fire.
City officials said D.C. area radios now have more
reach than those in many other major metropolitan
areas.

"From the sarin attacks in Tokyo's subways in 1995 to
the recent tragedy in Madrid, we understand the need
for direct communication throughout our city, both
above and below ground," said Williams.

Williams demonstrated the system at a news conference
as he contacted Fire Department cadets at several
subway stations. All said they could hear the mayor
clearly.

   
The new underground system interfaces with the surface
wireless network completed in September. City
officials said the underground network is now being
used by D.C. firefighters and emergency medical
personnel.

The new system operates at the public-safety industry
standard level at which speech is understandable with
only minor distortion, rarely requiring repetition of
messages.

Fire officials have said before the system changes,
radios would only work in tunnels if one firefighter
was close enough to see another, and the messages
would not reach the surface.

City officials said Congress provided critical
financial support for the underground system, with an
allocation of $45.5 million that helped complete the
upgrade.



=====
Peter Vieth
KB4FVJ
Roanoke, VA


	
		
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