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US opts to derez virtual fence along Mexico border, replacing it with more affordable measures
Remember that hugely ambitious "virtual fence" that the US Homeland Security department was so keen on blowing a few billion dollars on? Well, following a bunch of setbacks and delays in its development, it's now been determined to be too darn expensive and is being scrapped. That's not without splashing some cash, however, as it's estimated that a billion dollars has already been spent on installing sensor towers along a 53-mile stretch of the Arizona border with Mexico. The plan now is to redirect funds to more conventional (and commercially available) surveillance measures, such as thermal imaging and unmanned aerial drones, which is estimated to cost $750 million to cover the remaining 323 miles of Arizona's border. Whatever happens, keeping illegal immigration and contraband smuggling to a minimum isn't going to be a cheap task. Almost makes you wonder if this isn't a problem better solved by non-technological means.
DHS, Boeing in hot water over SBInet border security delays
A mere two months after hearing that Boeing's sensor towers passed initial tests with flying colors, the firm -- along with the Department of Homeland Security, no less -- is now facing severe criticism from lawmakers. The reason for the sudden turn of events stems from the duo's inability to "keep officials up to date on deployment slips for a virtual fence in Arizona," and moreover, they made no mention of the apparently substantial problems at a June 7th hearing. Dubbed Project 28, this $67 million SBInet first phase is now sliding even further beyond the scheduled June 13th launch day, and the DHS' credibility is reportedly "being questioned" after repeated mishaps along the way. Ah well, that's what the volunteers are for, right? [Via The Register, image courtesy of Musgrave]
