U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the installation of a pilot AM radio broadcast system designed to better inform the border crossing public. CBP has installed AM radio frequency transmitters at two ports of entry on the southwest border, Ysleta in El Paso, Texas, and Lincoln-Juarez in Laredo, Texas, in order to communicate important border crossing information to travelers.

The El Paso port of entry Ysleta international crossing transmitter is scheduled to be turned on and begin broadcasting at noon today. The 10-watt signal can be found on AM 530 and has a range of several miles in any direction from the Ysleta crossing.

Information broadcasts will include reminders of document requirements and how to use high-tech travel cards; information about CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs; basic border crossing rules and regulations; and port of entry emergency travel information and/or updates.

CBP has transformed the way it does business at land ports of entry over the last few years and one of the key elements is the concept of active lane management. This concept allows infrastructure enhancements such as improved license plate readers and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology coupled with new Ready Lanes, light emitting diode (LED) signage and Trusted Traveler lanes (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) to facilitate the entry process for travelers.