Toronto New Digital System?

[opensky2]

Is it true Toronto emergency services are moving to a new digital system? Will it be encrypted? My sister lives there and I enjoy listening to the services! I don't want to be re-directed to another thread, just need to know yes or know. Thanks.

 

[mikewazowski]

Yes, Toronto is moving to an all digital system.

However, nobody really knows whether it will be fully encrypted or not yet many will speculate and even more will rant about the loss of our freedoms.

 

[VE3JSO]

do you know when this will take place aprox mike? or have they not set a date

 

[exkalibur]

We've all heard a bunch of things.

However, what I can tell you is that the new Toronto EMS radios have been flash-upgraded to include 700/800MHz, 9600 trunking and software encryption (ADP). Take that to mean whatever you wish.

As for time line, the number that I've heard in a number of places is 2011 for RFP, 2012 for planning/procurement and 2015 to "go live". I've heard that from a number of people and seen it in a few places, so I would say 2015 would be a realistic timeline to aim for. However, that could change at a moment's notice.

 

[v65magnafan]

If Mayor Ford can reduce the police budget, the date might be even later than that. Someone should tell him that NYC has been using an old system for decades and they're doing just fine.

 

[Jammin_Jay]

Exkalibur are you refering to the Radio Replacement Program for TPS?

 

[exkalibur]

Yep I am.

 

[Jammin_Jay]

Well according to this document, dated 2010, from the city of Toronto (legal documents) released.
regarding City Radio Infustructure system. It describes what is occuring with the Radio replacement project and the Toronto Police Service.

The project started in 2006, and will be completed by 2012

quote "
This project provides funding for the replacement of the Service’s current communication
radios which are approaching the end of manufacturer’s support, and to ensure operability on
the new platform that will be implemented through the City-managed Radio Infrastructure
Replacement project. The replacement of the radios commenced in 2006 and will be
completed in 2012. Between 2006 and 2010, 971 mobile radios and 1,356 portables radios
were acquired. The remaining 637 mobile radios and 955 portable radios will be purchased
between 2011 and 2012.
While the majority of this project is debt-funded ($29.5M), $6M was borrowed from the
Service’s Vehicle and Equipment Reserve to fund the purchase of radios in 2008 and 2009, in
order to reduce financial pressure on the capital program.
The Service’s vendor of record has introduced a newer portable model radio (APX7000).
This newer model has additional/enhanced features that are operationally beneficial to the
Service; however, the cost per unit is higher. In order to remain within the approved funding
for this project, the new model will be issued to front-line uniform officers only.
This project is currently on schedule and on budget. " end quote

here is the link
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-31638.pdf
page 10&11

So the "Front Line" officers will have the Motorla APX7000 series radios.

 

[VE3RADIO]

Well according to this document, dated 2010, from the city of Toronto (legal documents) released.
regarding City Radio Infustructure system. It describes what is occuring with the Radio replacement project and the Toronto Police Service.

The project started in 2006, and will be completed by 2012

quote "
This project provides funding for the replacement of the Service’s current communication
radios which are approaching the end of manufacturer’s support, and to ensure operability on
the new platform that will be implemented through the City-managed Radio Infrastructure
Replacement project. The replacement of the radios commenced in 2006 and will be
completed in 2012. Between 2006 and 2010, 971 mobile radios and 1,356 portables radios
were acquired. The remaining 637 mobile radios and 955 portable radios will be purchased
between 2011 and 2012.
While the majority of this project is debt-funded ($29.5M), $6M was borrowed from the
Service’s Vehicle and Equipment Reserve to fund the purchase of radios in 2008 and 2009, in
order to reduce financial pressure on the capital program.
The Service’s vendor of record has introduced a newer portable model radio (APX7000).
This newer model has additional/enhanced features that are operationally beneficial to the
Service; however, the cost per unit is higher. In order to remain within the approved funding
for this project, the new model will be issued to front-line uniform officers only.
This project is currently on schedule and on budget. " end quote

here is the link
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-31638.pdf

So the "Front Line" officers will have the Motorla APX7000 series radios.

Yeah I have seen some guys in 41 with them.