Hong Kong police seek HK$5.2bil for new 5G system to handle ‘massive’ data gathered by frontline officers

The force says new system is necessary to address national security needs and improve efficiency of policing and emergency services. Current technology is unable to send real-time information in the form of audio, video and images, police say. — SCMP

Hong Kong police have sought HK$5.2bil (US$662mil) in funding to build a new 5G communications system to handle a “massive amount” of texts, images, videos and other data gathered by frontline officers, saying the upgrade is necessary to address national security needs.

In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, the force said the Next Generation Communications System (NGCS) could also “improve the operational efficiency of policing and emergency services”.