Public Safety Field Communications Agency

The services PSFC provides include management of the TMR2 network, mobile communications support (MCS), tower infrastructure, training and support, and the Shubenacadie Radio Operations Centre (SRCC).

Management of the TMR2 network

PSFC is responsible for the management and oversight of Nova Scotia’s Trunked Mobile Radio 2 system, also known as TMR2. TMR2 is the province’s primary public safety radio network and supports interoperable communications for police, fire, emergency health services, public works, volunteer public safety organizations and other approved users.

Through this role, PSFC works with service providers, partner agencies and system users to support the ongoing operation, maintenance, governance and continuous improvement of the network. This includes supporting user access, system planning, technical coordination, issue resolution and ensuring the network continues to meet the operational needs of public safety and public works partners across Nova Scotia.

TMR2 is part of the Atlantic Provinces Public Safety Network (APPSN), which enables seamless radio communications across Atlantic Canada and supports coordinated response during day-to-day operations, planned events and emergencies.

Trunked Mobile Radio

Trunked Mobile Radio (TMR) is a province-wide, digital voice communications system used by police, fire services, emergency medical services, volunteer public safety organizations and many public works departments.

It is part of the Atlantic Provinces Public Safety Network, which provides seamless communications across the Atlantic provinces – making it one of the first systems of its kind in North America.

Mobile Communications Support (MCS)

PSFC provides on-site communications and equipment support for planned events, emergency incidents, exercises and outages affecting fixed communications networks across Nova Scotia.

Specially equipped vehicles and trained staff can respond to a wide range of situations, including forest fires, ground and water search and rescue operations, major public events and other incidents requiring additional communications support.

These vehicles are equipped with radios, antennas, battery chargers, network linking devices and other communications equipment that can be deployed to support emergency responders and partner agencies in the field.

In addition to operational support, PSFC staff provide guidance in communications planning before and during events, supported by technical knowledge and field experience.

Tower infrastructure

PSFC operates a network of telecommunications towers across Nova Scotia that support public safety, public works, utilities and other essential communications services.

These towers also support commercial services, including broadband internet and cellular connectivity. Third-party organizations may request to lease space on PSFC-managed towers for their own equipment by contacting the PSFC office.

Training and support

PSFC staff provide hands-on training and support to organizations across Nova Scotia. Training can be delivered on-site to meet operational needs.

Training and support may include systems such as the Nova Scotia Integrated Mobile Radio System, trunked mobile radio networks, satellite phone kits and other communications tools used to support public safety and field operations.

Nova Scotia Integrated Mobile Radio System

The Nova Scotia Integrated Mobile Radio System (NSIMRS) is a network of 61 telecommunications towers that supports a wide range of public sector, public safety and commercial services.

Separate from the trunked mobile radio system, it provides critical infrastructure for services such as volunteer fire department paging and dispatch, rural broadband connectivity and physician paging, among others.

Shubenacadie Radio Operations Centre (SRCC)

The Shubenacadie Radio Operations Centre provides 24/7/365 dispatch, call-answering and notification services for a wide range of public safety and public works organizations.

Dispatchers support critical operations, including activity monitoring, controlled database queries for law enforcement, tower site alarm monitoring, and other essential field services.

In emergency situations, services can be activated by contacting the centre at 1-877-293-6977.