Emergency workers hope new device solves communication woes

The Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut emergency responders believe they’ve created a first-of-its kind device that will allow rescue crews from several agencies to talk to each other at the scene of an emergency or disaster.

If the invention proves successful, it could help clear one of the biggest obstacles homeland security officials have been trying to overcome since the 2001 terrorist attacks: the inability to communication across radio frequencies.

Dubbed STOC, for “on-Scene Tactical Operations Channel,” the device combines a radio and receiver into a single box that instantly receives a signal from one frequency and sends it onto another frequency, officials said.

Full Story: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--emergencycommunic0109jan09,0,5191284.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut