LaredoBuzz.Com

(Laredo, TX—October 6, 2009) —This week, the City of Laredo will begin installing antennas, equipment and cameras in downtown Laredo, as well as in several parks, that will create a web of connectivity for City of Laredo departments.

 Nearly 18 months ago, the Laredo City Council requested a feasibility study for a design of an outdoor wireless broadband network (Wi-Fi) that would meet the immediate needs and modularly grow to meet the future needs of public safety, traffic operations, streets, bridges and parks and to allow public use in the downtown areas and parks, after the idea was initiated by District VI Council Member Gene Belmares. 

“I really thought it was important that the City of Laredo create a Wi-Fi canopy in our community,” said Belmares.  “I think it is important that we are able to provide Internet access to residents who are not able to afford it.

 “Additionally, we wanted provide wireless hot spots for the business community and anyone who comes to town on business, so that they can be more productive in their work.  Finally, this will be an essential, public safety tool for our police officers and firefighters, as well as other departments to be able to extract data and other information from this system for their needs, as well,” he added.

 Once the study was complete, the City Council decided to move forward with a pilot project with Motorola, Inc. for a wireless video surveillance system and a wireless broadband data network to enhance public safety with the City of Laredo.  This network will serve as a multi-use network to provide public safety and other city departments the ability to access city resources via this secure, modular and scalable wireless network.

 “The technological advantages that these cameras will give to our public safety officers will provide a new tool in the arsenal against crime, helping to provide an added layer of peace of mind for our community,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “Additionally, the Wi-Fi capability will also offer efficiencies and information for City staff , helping them to work smarter,” he concluded.

 The $862,000 price tag for this project will place 57 antenna connectors at downtown intersections, as well as 73 surveillance cameras at 14 City parks.   The downtown antennas will create a web of connectivity for a one mile radius using the Hamilton Hotel roof tower in providing the main antenna connector feed with the park cameras that will be connected wireless to the City’s network.

 This week will see activity at various local parks as camera equipment is installed by RZ Communications and Motorola crews; however, this will not affect the public’s ability to go and enjoy the parks throughout the installation process.  At the same time, antennas and other

equipment will be installed at various downtown intersections, mainly during evening hours.  Downtown traffic may be minimally affected as one lane is closed during the installation process, which should take less than an hour per location.

 “Motorola and Rz Communications-Laredo are equally excited about the implementation of this pilot project for the City of Laredo and look forward to its successful completion, ” said Andy Ramirez, Rz’s CEO.

Initially, the connectivity will not be available for public use, only available for public safety purposes for police and fire departments, and select City staff via the City network.  City officials hope to offer the Wi-Fi with limited availability to the public in the future.

 “The City of Laredo is a major player in the global economy,” said Belmares.  “We need to be a leader in Wi-Fi connectivity to the rest of the world,” he concluded.