Updates

CBP Deploys the First National Network of Information Radio Stations

WASHINGTON, DC: Are you driving to the United States from Mexico? US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can tell you exactly what you need to know, if you’re wondering: 

  • Is the crossing open?
  • How long is the wait?
  • Which lane should I be in?
  • What documents do I need?

CBP is in the process of installing a special information radio station, referred to as a Travelers Information Station/Highway Advisory Radio (TIS/HAR) system, at key land border ports of entry, providing information to approaching motorists with the intention of expediting their passage across the border.

The federally licensed 10-watt AM radio stations are currently installed in El Paso, Laredo, TX; San Luis, AZ; and Calexico (East), CA. Additional sites are planned on the southwest border and locations on the US/Canadian border are also being considered.

Information Station Specialists (ISS) of Zeeland, Michigan, is providing the design, electronic equipment and installation services for this newly piloted project.

The stations provide the capability of broadcasting time-sensitive messages developed at the local ports of entry, in addition to messages developed at the national level by CBP Headquarters. Project manager Daniel Piscopo states that the broadcast messages will include “how to use high-tech travel cards, information about CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs, basic border crossing rules and regulations, emergency travel information and updates, and border wait times.”

Results of a pilot survey conducted by CBP at El Paso, Texas, indicate that there is considerable awareness and favorability regarding use of the radio stations, and agreement that they would be especially valuable as a tool to gauge wait times. 

CBP will be able to communicate directly to travelers about how to expedite their border crossing, for example, by broadcasting information about CBP programs such as the Ready Lane — an expedited travel lane for people with radio frequencyentification technology enabled cards -- and Trusted Traveler lanes for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

Radio broadcasts can be heard for several miles around the port, giving CBP the ability to provide necessary information to travelers as they approach the border. Perhaps someday it will be common practice for motorists to reach for their radios as they reach the US.

With 25 years in business, ISS provides a information radio stations, advisory signs and power sources to most of the nation's public safety and health agencies, highway departments, airports, recreation areas, military bases and federal agencies, to now include CBP. ISS is the only domestically owned company in the United States whose full-time business is dedicated strictly to that endeavor.

For more background, please visit these links:

For additional information and/or questions, contact: Bill Baker President, Information Station Specialists Phone 616.772.2300 x102 Email Bill@theRADIOsource.com

Dan Piscopo Department of Homeland Security, US Customs & Border Protection, Washington, DC Phone 202.344.2019 Email Daniel.piscopo@dhs.gov