ERF Wireless to build $5 million network for Louisiana police and public
Unique deal bolsters Louisiana State Police communications while also serving poorer rural areas; local banks, who will also have access, will foot most of the bill, but the police will provide the towers; a unique financing arrangement provides a model for other company’s seeking a PR boost
Here is what we call a win-win-win situation. League City, Texas-based ERF Wireless this week announced a $5 million contract with the Louisiana State Police to install a state-wide wireless broadband network. Why is this such a big deal? First, consider the benefit to the state police. ERF is not only providing wireless connectivity; the parties have agreed in advance that during state emergencies ERF will make available to Louisiana’s first responders expanded bandwidth, VoIP communications, high-resolution video surveillance at the backbone towers and across regional banking networks, video conferencing, and free use of wireless hotspots across the network.
Second, consider the funding arrangement. While the state police provide the tower infrastructure, everything else will be paid for by local financial institutions, which will be able to use the Louisiana BankNet system as well (except, of course, during emergencies). Best of all — and here is where the third “win” comes in — the network will also support wireless broadband Internet services to many underserved areas of Louisiana. Although the so-called digital divide has been narrowing in recent years, Louisiana is not only one of the nation’s poorest states, its communications infrastructure also suffered from Hurricane Katrina. ERF, which approached the state police with this unique bank-police-public arrangement, deserves applause, not just for its public spiritedness but also for its business sharps. Doing well by doing good — that should be the company motto.
-read more in this company news release
