News

Wireless for G20 police: "batteries ran flat" - report

by Guy J Kewney | posted on 30 April 2009

Provision of wireless comms for London police failed during the now-notorious G20 demonstrations, a report will reveal. The Airwave system was swamped, but even worse, the handsets used by police couldn't last the day, with battery problems.

All too many stories about special secure comms in London, especially underground, end up with indignant protests by wireless providers that they would love to offer simpler, faster, and more reliable services - but that they are unable to bid, with contracts going to people they suspect of "having friends in high places."

Temporary Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison's report will reveal that demand on radio channels was "unprecedented" and there was an "issue" with radio batteries because police were deployed for so long, says a BBC bulletin.