US CBP installs Border Radio Pilot system

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has installed a pilot radio broadcast system, in a bid to better inform border crossers with crucial border-crossing information.

Deployed for use by the Port of San Luis, the local 530 AM broadcast station will provide travelling public with reminders about document requirements, usage of high-tech travel cards, information on CBP’s Trusted Traveler programmes and basic border crossing rules and regulations. t

The AM broadcast station will not only allow port officials to transfer emergency travel information but also provide updates to the local community, which are located within a one- to two-mile radius.

As part of CBP’s strategy to process work efficiently and to effectively communicate with the travelling public, the new tool will be evaluated during the pilot phase, while further system installations and messaging will be determined in the analysis of the pilot.

Based on CBP’s active lane management, infrastructure enhancements include improved license plate readers, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology coupled with light emitting diode (LED) signage, and Trusted Traveler lanes (SENTRI and FAST), to facilitate the entry process for travellers and trade.

The model of the AM transmitter is currently used by several highway and traffic authorities.

The border agency had installed AM radio frequency transmitters at two ports of entry on the southwest border, Ysleta in El Paso and Lincoln-Juarez in Laredo, Texas, US, in February 2012.