CBP Launches Border Radio Pilot
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Feb 11, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
AM Radio System Installed to Inform Land Border Crossers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the installation of a pilot AM radio broadcast system, aimed to better inform the border crossing public. CBP has installed AM radio frequency transmitters at two ports of entry on the southwest border, Ysleta in El Paso , Texas and Lincoln-Juarez Bridge in Laredo , Texas in order to communicate important border crossing information to travelers.
The pilot radio station in Laredo is 1610 AM and is currently airing important border crossing information in English and Spanish. The station has 10-watt signal strength and can be heard several miles in either direction of the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge .
CBP has transformed the way it does business at land ports of entry over the last few years and one of the key elements is the concept of active lane management. This concept allows infrastructure enhancements such as improved license plate readers and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology coupled with new Ready Lanes, light emitting diode (LED) signage and Trusted Traveler lanes (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) to facilitate the entry process for travelers.
Furthering this concept CBP believes an informed and educated traveler is an efficient traveler.
CBP is always looking for new and effective ways to communicate with the traveling public and the model of the AM transmitter, used by many highway and traffic authorities, hopes to prove an effective tool for CBP.
Information broadcast will include reminders of document requirements and how to use high-tech travel cards, information about CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, basic border crossing rules and regulations, and will allow the ability for each port of entry to update with emergency travel information or updates.
While in a pilot phase, CBP will monitor the effectiveness of this new tool in a few locations on the northern and southern borders. Analysis of the pilot will inform further system installations and messaging.
