作為客戶部門的忠實伙伴和技術顧問，機電署致力協助客戶不斷優化轄下系統、更新硬件。去年10月，我們把民眾安全服務隊（民安隊）沿用的模擬制式無線電通訊系統更換為數碼無線電通訊系統，並協助民安隊加入由香港警務處設立的聯合數碼通訊平台（該平台），讓民安隊與警隊、消防處、政府飛行服務隊和海關等政府部門在採取聯合行動時，不但能進行跨部門通訊，更可提升內部通訊功能，為市民提供更優秀、更高效率的救援服務。

民安隊加入該平台後，有助促進跨部門合作。民安隊與警隊每年都舉行不少聯合演習，在最近於昂坪360舉行的聯合演習中，所有參與聯合行動的隊員均把頻道調校至同一通話羣組，大家即時互聯互通，提升了工作效能。

該平台利用數碼傳輸，使無線電訊號的覆蓋率高達95%。今年1月，香港出現六十年以來最冷的寒潮，大批登上大帽山欣賞結霜的人士因天氣惡劣而被困山上。民安隊與其他政府部門同時參與救援行動。大帽山屬於荒野地區，一般手提電話和通訊設施的網絡都未能覆蓋，但是這次民安隊隊員採用新系統的對講機，同事溝通無間，而且音質優良，大大提高了救援工作的效率。

該平台透過加密處理防止竊聽，加强通話保安。新系統的器材輕巧靈活，而且攜帶方便，隊員只需使用連接該平台的手提對講機，而無需額外安裝固定或臨時無線電基站，便可使用既可靠，覆蓋範圍又廣闊的無線電通訊。這個新系統還有助民安隊節省人手和維修開支，極具成本效益。



Upgrade and Digitalise CAS’s Radio Communications System
to join UDCP for Rescue Enhancement

As the loyal partner and technical advisor of our client departments, EMSD is committed to helping them optimise their systems continuously and update the hardware. Last October, we successfully helped the Civil Aid Service (CAS) replace their analogue radio communications system with the digital radio communications system and connect it to the Unified Digital Communications Platform (UDCP) established by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). The UDCP not only enables communication between CAS and other government departments such as HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service and the Customs and Excise Department during joint operations, but also enhances internal communications functions, providing the public with better and more efficient rescue services.

Joining the UDCP is beneficial to inter-departmental collaboration. CAS and HKPF carry out numerous joint exercises every year. In a recent one in Ngong Ping 360, all officers involved tuned their communications channel to the UDCP common talk group, which instantly connected everyone and enhanced efficiency of the exercise.

With the use of digital transmission, the coverage of the UDCP’s radio signals is up to 95%. In January this year, Hong Kong was hit by the most severe cold surge in 60 years. Many people who went up Tai Mo Shan for frost viewing were stranded there due to bad weather. CAS and other government departments were involved in the rescue operation. Tai Mo Shan is a remote mountain, hardly covered by ordinary mobile phones and communications facilities. Using the portable transceivers of the new system, officers of CAS enjoyed seamless communications with excellent sound quality, which greatly enhanced the efficiency of the rescue work.

Communications over the UDCP are encrypted to prevent tapping and to strengthen call security. The new system is equipped with devices which are light and easy to carry. By configuring the portable transceivers to be compatible with the UDCP and without setting up extra fixed or temporary repeater sites, CAS officers can enjoy reliable and radio communications with wide coverage. The new system also helps CAS save manpower and maintenance expenditure, thus achieving cost-effectiveness.