Fixed Mobile Convergence

Sierra Wireless, a provider of mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products, and Feeney Wireless, an authorized Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) value-added reseller, announced that they have been selected by San Jose Police Department to offer comprehensive real-time mobile communication.

The San Jose PD has deployed Feeney Wireless Cellular Internet Routing Appliance (CIRA) with integrated Sierra Wireless AirLink (News - Alert) 3G gateway to provide comprehensive mobile connectivity for its officers in the field. More than 452 patrol cars are to be equipped with this real-time mobile communication link over a 36-month period.

According to Feeney Wireless, CIRA is a mobile cellular router that provides the technology backbone for a host of applications that require a robust, managed and secure mobile data network. With extensive remote management capabilities and a rugged form factor, the CIRA is engineered to handle the rigors of 24-7 operation in a mobile environment, making it ideal for in-vehicle applications. It is designed for harsh in-vehicle environments and integrates a cellular radio, firewall, high-speed processor, and 802.11b/g access point all in one device.

The AirLink family of intelligent wireless gateways and routers from Sierra Wireless offers customers solutions for various industrial, enterprise and in-vehicle applications. AirLink devices are designed for use in mission critical applications, where reliability and security are essential. 

San Jose is California’s third largest city and the San Jose PD has a massive responsibility to protect the one million residents. Also the PD creates more than 100,000 reports per year. The new deployment is expected to decentralize and digitize the Department's records and field communications systems.

"We needed a scalable platform that would take us into the future, including camera systems, video and remote sensors and communications equipment," explained Deputy Chief, Diane Urban, in a press release. "We are going to send reports seamlessly, wirelessly - via a truly integrated paperless reporting and management system. Technology is the way of the future; it's all about regionalizing services, being more efficient and more transparent. Everyone expects quicker results, and we have the responsibility to provide that to the public."

Sierra Wireless claimed that the deployment is a great example of how 3G mobile broadband solutions can enhance the efficiency of public safety agencies and ultimately, improve security in communities. By reducing the requirement for officers to return to the main campus to file reports, comprehensive systems like the CIRA solution with its integrated AirLink gateway can help to increase the ability of officers to maintain a consistent, reliable presence in the community, where they are most needed.