A new Police command and control communications system to be set up in phases from 2004 to 2006 promises enhanced efficiency to better serve the public.

Motorola has been awarded a $540 million contract to build and maintain the system for nine years.

The system will replace the existing one which will reach the end of its useful life by next year.

Four key components make up the system:

* a digital trunked radio communications system with voice and data capabilities;

* a 999 emergency telephone system that can automatically show the caller's number and identify its location;

* a mobile computing system; and

* an automatic vehicle location system and a geographic information system.

The system will be introduced to the New Territories by the end of next year, followed by Hong Kong Island  in mid-2005 and Kowloon in early 2006.