The Ontario government announced that it has reached an agreement with Bell Mobility to update the Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN), the communications network supporting front-line and emergency responders across the province. Last updated in 1998, the PSRN does not meet the North American open standard for public safety radio set in 2001 and is beset by regular service outages.

The 15-year agreement will see the existing PSRN replaced by June 2023, with the transition beginning in 2021. Bell Mobility will:

• Build the essential infrastructure for the Land Radio Network, including support antennas, servers, and data centre equipment;

• Provide radio equipment and consoles to support first responders and dispatchers.

The government announced its plans to upgrade the PSRN last fall. 

The Public Safety Radio Network provides radio communications technology across approximately 750,000 km² to more than 38,000 front-line and emergency responders, including:

• The Ontario Provincial Police

• Ambulance bases, communications centres, paramedics, hospitals, and support staff

• Forest fire services

• Provincial highway maintenance staff

Under the $765 million agreement, Bell Mobility will also be responsible for maintaining the upgraded network.

For more information, please see below:

Ontario Government: Ontario Investing $765 Million to Build New Public Safety Radio Network

Ontario Government: Ontario Announces Plans to Replace the Province's Public Safety Radio Network

Ontario Government: Backgrounder -- Ontario's Public Safety Network