Dave Webb, CFOA Strategic Lead on Operational Communications will present this item.
Minutes:
Cllr Hammond introduced the confidential paper on the Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP).
Dave Webb, Strategic Lead on Operational Communications, presented on the ESMCP to provide emergency services with mobile voice and data communications.
Cllr Hammond thanked Dave Webb and invited Rebecca ??? on the ESMCP steering group to speak.
Rebecca ??? stressed that an effective switchover is critical and asked whether any of the existing, expensive equipment could be re-used. She was concerned about the complexities around ensuring enough masts are in place to deliver the necessary communications as well as how to deal with the communities’’ expectations that masts could provide communications to them.
Cllr Hammond thanked Rebecca ??? for her representation on the steering group.
Members discussed the following points:
· Recycling the equipment is important
· There is international learning that can be taken on board for the programme.
· Members were keen for Government to ensure consideration of the communication demands of communities.
Dave Webb said that the programme was considering all issues raised and that the Government is working with other countries and to ensure an international standard. The programme is talking to existing providers to establish how equipment can be re-used as well as to provide an effective transition.
Cllr Hammond thanked Dave Webb and reminded all that the item was confidential.
Decision
Members noted the report and presentation.