Rogers Communications today announced it is investing in industry-leading wildfire detection and prevention technology as part of the company’s commitment to keeping Canadians and first responders safe.
Rogers will use its national network combined with technology partnerships with SpaceX and Pano AI to help combat climate change-related events in communities across the country.
Rogers is using satellite-connected sensors, with SpaceX’s low-bandwidth Swarm service, to better predict wildfires in remote areas of British Columbia without wireless networks.
Rogers is introducing Pano AI cameras on the Rogers 5G network that detect smoke up to a 20- kilometre range. The AI cameras will be located on wireless towers in the province near Fort St. James, Smithers and Chetwynd.
“Climate change is a global issue that requires urgent action. Communities across the country are facing the effects of unprecedented wildfires,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “We are proud to put our national network and technology partnerships to work to better detect fires and support Canadian first responders.”
The new technology builds on ongoing 5G research by Rogers, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor key wildfire indicators. Now, real time information from the satellite-connected sensors and tower cameras will be shared with BCWS and UBC to enable better detection and help first responders manage these devastating events.
“Early detection of wildfires is critical in preventing their spread to help protect communities and our forests,” said Sonia Kastner, CEO, Pano AI. “With the reach of Rogers 5G network, we are proud to work together to deploy our AI-powered cameras to detect, confirm and pinpoint new fire ignitions within minutes in some of the most remote parts of British Columbia.”
Rogers also announced that it donating satellite phones to the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association to support first responders.
Today’s announcement builds on work Rogers is doing with SpaceX and Lynk to bring satellite-to phone coverage in parts of Canada that are unserved by traditional networks.
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