THE deal between Esat Digifone and the Garda will give the force access to a secure, encrypted telecommunications network which it can link into with its new £26 million computer system, according to a source close to the negotiations.
The payment for the use of the network of station masts was not a significant factor, the source said.
"It is a technology transfer arrangement rather than a commercial one. Eventually a squad car down in Mayo will be able to receive a picture of a suspect, through the GSM system, so it will pop up in the car. They won't have to deal with just verbal descriptions any more."
The deal will give the force access to "mobile office" facilities now possible due to new technology.
The Norwegian state owned telecommunications company, Telenor, which owns 40 per cent of Esat Digifone, has co operated with its national police force in getting it "plugged in" to a state of the cart telecommunications network, the source said.
In Britain, the internal communications system used by the police force is provided by a private company, NTL.
"The gardai want to be in the front line in terms of their telecommunications structures. It will give them an edge in terms of crime prevention."
The deal between the two parties was completed promptly because the Garda was aware of what was needed for the long term development of its telecommunications system, according to the source.
The force is currently implementing the PULSE project, a phased information technology programme with a gross budget of £36 million. The project includes the installation of 600 PCs around the State and the design and construction of a centralised information system.
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