What are we doing?
The current FleetNet service is reaching end of life and a replacement service is required.  The PSCS will provide a modern trunked mobile radio service for public safety and public service organizations in Manitoba that meets P25 standards using 700 MHz spectrum that is designated for public safety. Manitoba has entered into an agreement with Bell to provide a new Public Safety Communications Service (PSCS).

When will PSCS be available for use?
Implementation of PSCS infrastructure is underway, and transition of public safety and public service users to the new service, will take up to three years.  The service is expected to be in full production by June 2021.

How will Public Safety Entities (PSEs) know when PSCS will be available for their use?
A transition plan is being developed by Bell and will be communicated to individual PSEs to ensure they know what their responsibilities are and when they will be transitioned to the PSCS.

What is P25 technology?
Project 25 (P25) is the standard for the design and manufacturing of interoperable digital  two-way wireless communication products.  Developed in North America with provincial/state, local and federal representatives and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) governance, P25 has gained worldwide acceptance for public safety, security and public service applications.

The published P25 standards suite is administered by the  telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).  Radio equipment that demonstrates compliance with P25 is able to meet a set of minimum requirements to fit the needs of public safety. The P25 standard was created by, and is intended for, public safety professionals.

What does PSCS offer subscribers?
The service is based on a public safety grade P25 network that is specifically designed and operated for the public safety and public service community in Manitoba.  PSCS will provide reliable voice communications to support public safety and public service activities and to help coordinate services during emergencies (e.g. fire, flood).  PSCS will enhance interoperability, coverage, security and reliability to more effectively respond to emergencies in an efficient and coordinated manner.

What are some benefits of PSCS?

  • Expanded coverage
  • Geographically redundant core for high availability
  • Enhanced core and tower site security
  • Higher level of encryption – managed by the RCMP
  • Radio spectrum reserved for public safety and public service entities
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Centralized Contract Management
  • Governance model with business, technical and service assurance committees
  • Services Level Agreements and penalties
  • System reporting
  • Training and training materials
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning

What is a Public Safety radio system?
A Public Safety radio system is one that is specifically designed and operated for the public safety community.  Systems are constructed to address the demanding requirements of public safety communications such as coverage, interoperability, enhanced security and reliability.

Who owns the PSCS?
The infrastructure and equipment are owned and maintained by Bell.  All handheld, base and vehicle radios will continue to be purchased and owned by the PSE.

Will PSCS be centrally managed on behalf of PSEs?
Yes.  Manitoba will be responsible for contract management of the Master Services Agreement with Bell.  Management of PSCS will include establishing various governance committees that provide direction on issues of reliability, functionality, dispute resolution, system serviceability and service level accountability.

Who will be the users of PSCS?
PSCS may include a broad range of Government and Non-Government agencies, all of which contribute to public safety of Manitobans.

Do I qualify as a user of PSCS?
In order to qualify for PSCS, each PSE must first meet the requirements set by Industry, Science and Economic Development (ISED) in SRSP-511.

  • Category 1 users (police, fire, and emergency medical services) permitted to use the 700 MHz radio service on the PSCS System.
  • Category 2 users (forestry, public works, public transit, hazardous material clean-up, border protection and other agencies contributing to public safety).
  • Category 3 users (other government agencies and certain non-government agencies) may be permitted to access to the PSCS System during emergency situations where their access is controlled by a Category 1 user.

Is it mandatory I replace all my existing FleetNet radios so I can use the new Public Safety Communications Service (PSCS)?

  • No.  You could replace only a portion of your FleetNet radios.
  • The decision will be based on your operational requirements and budget.

Is there a specific way to determine how many PSCS radios I need?

  • No.  Every department is unique.
  • The radio minimum quantity should be based on current needs and take into account some redundancy in order to:
    • Communicate with E911
    • Communicate amongst members of the department at multiple calls, mutual aid partners, police and EMS
    • Consider portables as well as mobile radios fixed in apparatus

Is there a requirement to replace my existing VHF radios and pager services?
No.  PSCS will only replace the existing FleetNet services provided by Bell MTS.

Is there a requirement to have my radio configured with encryption?
Yes, if you are a police, fire, or emergency medical services agency.

Do I have to sign an agreement for PSCS with Manitoba?
Yes.  By signing and returning the Participation Agreement for PSCS, your municipality will be provided with access to PSCS, as well as the respective PSCS contract management services.  The AMM has reviewed the Participation Agreement and recommends its members to sign it as presented.

Are there monthly fees for PSCS?
No.  As part of the Participation Agreement with Manitoba, there will be no monthly PSCS subscriber fees charged to the PSEs upon full implementation of the PSCS which is expected to take effect the second quarter of this year.

Will existing FleetNet radios work on PSCS?
Requests for information about existing radios and if they can be upgraded to work on PSCS should be directed to your radio supplier or through Bell.  For additional information, please refer to the PSCS approved radio list found in the Bell Subscriber Equipment Information Guide.

Where can I purchase radios?
Requests for information about radio options and purchasing new radios can be directed to your radio supplier or through Bell.

Is it mandatory for municipalities to participate on PSCS?

  • Yes.  Communicating with E911 requires PSCS.
  • Broad participation provides interoperability resulting in better public safety communications and coordinated response.

Will PSCS replace existing VHF networks and pager services used by municipalities?
No.  PSCS will only replace the existing FleetNet services provided by Bell MTS.

Will telephone interconnect be available?
Yes, if you are a police, fire, or emergency medical services agency.

Has Manitoba engaged the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM)?
Yes.  If you have questions about the FleetNet Replacement Project, contact Nick Krawetz of the AMM at nkrawetz@amm.mb.ca

Will there be training available on the features of PSCS?
Yes.  There will be training courses and materials developed on radio features and use of PSCS.

Is Motorola radio the only radio authorized for using PSCS today?
Yes. Bell has a list of Motorola radios approved for PSCS network. These radios have been specifically engineered for the authorized use on the PSCS network. All radio of other makes and models would need to be authorized by Manitoba for using PSCS, and would require additional programming and set up of which the costs are at the expense of the PSE.

What is the warranty coverage for Motorola radios and accessories?
The warranty on equipment follows the one (1) year manufacturer’s warranty.

What happens if there are issues with the newly issued/purchased radios and accessories (batteries, chargers, cases)?
PSE should call Bell’s Service Desk for warranty repairs or replacement of radios and accessories except for batteries. Regarding issues with radio batteries, please follow the IMPRES Battery Care Guidelines first to see if the battery issues can be resolved. If battery problem persists, please call Bell Service Desk.

Who pays shipping cost for the radios/accessories to be repaired or replaced?
The PSE pays the cost for shipping to repair depot; Bell pays the cost for shipping back to the department.

If I have further questions who do I contact?
For further information, please contact Bell:  PSCSSupport@BellMTS.ca