State-of-the-art technology is bringing a new edge to the search
and rescue work of HM Coastguard.
Old copper-based cables are being replaced with fibre-based
technology across 165 remote radio sites across the United
Kingdom, starting with Weymouth on Wednesday 16 December.
Each radio site receives distress calls from UK waters and the
replacement technology will bring improvements such as security
and bandwidth.
Damien Oliver, Commercial and Programmes Director for the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “We are investing £175
million into this new national radio network, which is central in
preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.
“At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to people’s mental
health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide
reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may
find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability
to do that.”
The new network is being built and maintained by Telent
Technology Services Ltd. Peter Moir, Managing Director of Network
Services at Telent, said: “This network may not be seen by many
people, but it’s literally a lifeline for someone in distress at
sea. It’s important that this network’s capability continues to
support Her Majesty’s Coastguard in the vital lifesaving search
and rescue work that it does.”
