The UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (UK MCA) announced that the HM Coastguard acquired new technology with the aim to improve its search and rescue operations.
Specifically, they are replacing their old copper-based cables with fibre-based technology across 165 remote radio sites across the United Kingdom, starting with Weymouth on Wednesday 16 December.
In addition, each radio site receives distress calls from UK waters and the replacement technology will bring improvements such as security and bandwidth.
Damien Oliver, Commercial and Programmes Director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported that they are investing £175 million into this new national radio network, which aims to preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.
Oliver commented that
At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to people’s mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability to do that.
