Computers have been mounted inside the city’s squad cars for years, but only recently did they begin getting information via antennas...Last week, a new, more robust wireless network for all Providence public safety departments was unveiled, as the city continued to equip its police, fire and rescue vehicles with the technology.

According to Motorola, the so-called “mesh” wireless system now in Providence was originally developed for the U.S. military, to provide individual soldiers with quick access to data on the battlefield. Only about 12 municipalities in the nation have the “cutting-edge” networks, White said.

The network consists of 400 wireless antennas throughout the city. Though police have been using wireless technology for about five years, the new network offers more speed and bandwidth. In addition, this represents an even greater upgrade for firefighters, having not had mobile computers in their vehicles before.

[Providence Fire Chief David Costa said,] “I’m hoping to get 10 years out of this system, at least.”