NEW MEXICO – Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.) is pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to a project to give rural law enforcement and first responders better access to communications networks and emergency channels in Southern New Mexico. 

"Earlier this year, I was proud to host several public safety round-tables to discuss the top challenges facing New Mexico's first responders," said Rep. Herrell. "One of the biggest issues they raised was lack of radio and cell service in rural areas. That's why I officially requested that Customs and Border Protect partner with KRWG radio to mount additional transmitters for emergency channels, and I am pleased to report that they have finally agreed to this vital project. The safety of our communities and the brave men and women who protect them must be our first concern." 

Rep. Herrell's letter to DHS may be found here.

DHS letter to KRWG agreeing to datacasting project may be found here.

Datacasting drastically expands the range, scalability, and robustness of coverage to deliver securely encrypted high quality video, photos, files, and alerts in real time to first responders, including police departments, Customs and Border Protection, fire and rescue, and paramedics. By using existing broadcast spectrum to send data and information one-way, this technology is extremely useful in rural areas where there is no other coverage by public safety communication systems such as radio and cellphone services.  

Adding broadcast TV transmitter technologies to the Antelope Wells Border station tower would spread television and emergency communications in this uncovered area. In the Southwestern region of New Mexico, datacasting transmitters would also be integrated to already existing infrastructure and rack space, which ensures that no new towers or infrastructure would need to be built with taxpayer dollars.