In the first phase of the project, the two companies selected for the pilot -- Northrop Grumman Corporation and Motorola -- will install and test their wireless capabilities in Lower Manhattan. After the six-month pilot, the City may select one of the vendors to implement the wireless system citywide.

According to a City press release, the goal of this project is to evaluate networks that can provide emergency personnel in the field with immediate access to large file transfers, including maps, building layouts and federal and state anti-crime and counter-terrorism databases. For example, the network will support the ability to transmit police data on fingerprints, mug shots, and increase the Police Department's ability to improve surveillance and traffic management. In addition, the network will create high-speed links to existing NYPD, FDNY and EMS data systems.

For the FDNY, the wireless network will help integrate technologies currently under development including wireless electronic command boards and firefighter tracking technology. The wireless network will also be able to support full-motion video and radiological and biological environmental monitoring. Other City agencies including the Department of Transportation, Department of Buildings, Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Consumer Affairs will also have access to the wireless network for field personnel dispatched throughout the City. These teams include maintenance workers, inspectors and other non-emergency field personnel.

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