There are hopes a revamp of emergency service communication will streamline responses. 

Five hundred radio towers and 15 thousand units for first responders are being switched out to make way for a new digital, and encrypted, radio communication system. 

Politicians and experts say the current analogue system is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. 

Next Generation Critical Communications Director Steve Ferguson told Ryan Bridge it's worked well, but it's time to move on. 

He says a digital system will mean better co-ordination between Police, Fire and Emergency, and ambulance services.

LISTEN ABOVE

There are hopes a revamp of emergency service communication will streamline responses.  
Five hundred radio towers and 15 thousand units for first responders are being switched out to make way for a new digital, and encrypted, radio communication system.  
Politicians and experts say the current analogue system is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.  
Next Generation Critical Communications Director Steve Ferguson told Ryan Bridge it's worked well, but it's time to move on.  
He says a digital system will mean better co-ordination between Police, Fire and Emergency, and ambulance services. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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