Why Canada needs a public safety broadband network (PSBN)

In an emergency, every second is a lifeline. Yet, during natural disasters, accidents and other crises, our telecommunications networks can become overwhelmed, hampering crucial calls for help and updates from loved ones. This gridlock can lead to poor reception, dropped calls and critical communication failures for first responders. 

Recognizing this urgent need, Bell looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Government of Canada and other key stakeholders to establish a nationwide public safety broadband network (PSBN). This transformative initiative will empower public safety personnel to communicate seamlessly and efficiently when it matters most, ensuring robust and reliable support for communities when they need it most.

What is the public safety broadband network?

A PSBN is a secure, high-speed mobile communications network that is like a traditional broadband network but is purpose-built for first responders and other public safety personnel. This eliminates congestion and interference from commercial mobile network traffic, so emergency teams can quickly access and share information during natural disasters or other large-scale emergencies.

The experience of using a PSBN will feature the coverage and quality of a commercial cellular network but will also have the resiliency and security of a land mobile radio (LMR) network. First responders will be able to make voice and video calls, send texts, use data intensive applications, share files and more, but a PSBN is also designed to overcome the specific communications challenges faced by first responders and other public safety personnel. This includes the assurance of immediate and uninterrupted access to the network, the ability to use data intensive applications, extended coverage in remote or rural areas and unified communication for both voice and data. 

Ensuring this access requires underlying infrastructure that is resilient enough to withstand natural disasters and any other potential threats, with backup power supplies and other redundancies built in to ensure continuous connectivity during a power outage or if a component fails.

Another key principle is interoperability, so that emergency personnel across differing agencies (i.e., paramedics, fire and police services) can still communicate even if they are using different tools and systems. This is key for responders using Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems and those on mobile devices, or for communications across networks and borders, such as with the national PSBN in the United States. Integration with computer-aided dispatch, geographic information systems, emergency alert systems and other critical public safety infrastructure further helps improve coordination and situational awareness during joint operations.

How Canada will benefit from a Public Safety Broadband Network 

A PSBN will enhance emergency preparedness and response times, helping first responders to access, communicate and distribute information. Along with network prioritization, enhanced security and reliability, the PSBN will assist in the transformation from situational awareness to situational management, offering front-line personnel the tools needed to improve their safety and decision making. Canada’s PSBN will be the key enabler in ushering in the new generation of public safety solutions, including the Internet of Life Saving Things (IoLST) and Mission-Critical Services (MCS). 

The development of the PSBN will provide enhanced emergency response capabilities, improved interoperability and prioritized access to essential communications. It will also enable easier inter-agency communications between first responders and other personnel during an emergency. In conjunction with private mobile networks (PMN) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the PSBN would extend reliable network coverage to Canada’s more rural and remote communities. Beyond coverage, a PSBN will also enable high-speed data transmission for the next generation of solutions, making it possible for public safety personnel to operate with the latest tools and information available. 

Why Bell is best positioned to deliver the Public Safety Broadband Network

With over 30 years of public safety expertise, Bell is an established leader in mission-critical communications solutions. Our comprehensive suite of technologies, including P25 LMR, Push-to-Talk (PTT), Mobile Broadband for First Responders (MBFR), interoperability, Next Generation 911 (NG911) and SD-WAN enables us to support communication across several public safety agencies. This flexibility of solutions uniquely positions Bell to meet the demands necessary to deliver a PSBN.

Our approach to public safety communication is holistic, leveraging an ever-growing and expansive partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, interoperable solutions. With the capability to design, deploy and maintain P25 LMR and PMN – as well as integrate advanced Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Life Saving Things solutions – our goal is to improve the situational awareness and safety of first responders on the scene. Beyond the technology, Bell will provide the end-to-end professional services necessary to maintain networks tailored to the unique needs of the region or agency. Our unmatched suite of solutions, technical expertise, infrastructure and advanced partnerships go hand in hand with our commitment to innovation, security and connectivity, ensuring we deliver a world-class PSBN and best-in-class solutions to enhance public safety operations nationwide.  

What’s next

Canada’s PSBN will not only help address longstanding communications challenges faced by first responders, but it will also enable next generation technologies for public safety agencies like IoT sensors and devices. The PSBN will support innovative solutions such as community emergency alerts, drones for disaster response and precise location tracking to locate personnel in multi-story buildings. 

These innovations will create safer communities and provide critical support to public safety personnel. At Bell, we are committed to leveraging our decades of expertise and advanced technologies to deliver a PSBN that enhances the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of first responders and other emergency personnel across Canada. 

To find out more about our public safety commitments and initiatives, visit us at bell.ca/publicsafety.