The legacy cellular digital package data (CDPD) system, used by the department is being discontinued by its provider. In their search for a replacement, NMBPD discovered that available cellular-based systems require expensive recurring charges, and their performance was slower than the broadband speeds offered by the Wi-Fi system.
"The Tropos metro-scale Wi-Fi solution gives our officers access to information and resources that enable them to better perform their duties while maintaining presence in the community, instead of accessing this information back at the central office," said NMBPD Chief of Police William Berger. "In addition, we anticipate that the transition from CDPD to metro-scale Wi-Fi will result in significant savings for the taxpayers of North Miami Beach by eliminating recurring service provider fees. It's an absolute win-win situation."
NMBPD is currently using the network in several square blocks centered around the central police headquarters. Plans to expand the coverage area are under way, pending approval from the North Miami Beach City Council. The expanded network will eventually cover the entire city core of North Miami Beach, an area of over five square miles.
