Responding to the need to expand delivery of high quality, consistent training and information, the Customs Television Network-a digitally based broadcast system-will provide Customs staff with a newly expanded medium for training that could significantly reduce the expense of training-related travel. CTN will also be a primary vehicle for the "just-in-time" information and training needed to meet Customs overall mission and anti-terrorism goals by broadcasting timely information on a regular basis.

CTN will feature: 350 digital satellite downlink reception sites at locations Customs-wide Customs-specific training and informational programming 32 hours each month Access to Law Enforcement Training Network (LETN) programming 24 hours/5 days per week System security and dependability via signal encryption and redundant systems Breaking news programming in conjunction with CNN

With 250 downlink sites already up and running, the Office of Training and Development (OTD) predicts all of the 350 sites targeted for CTN will be operational by early 2003. Installation has been designed to cover the broadest employee base and will potentially include overseas sites.

Customs "site coordinators" and OTD's field training representatives (FTRs) will play key roles in the smooth operation of CTN by providing on-site assistance and providing a critical link to OTD at headquarters. They will also be a conduit for frequent, timely feedback to keep lines of communication open and to ensure that the programming meets employees' needs. OTD also plans to conduct surveys and focus groups in order to stay alert to customer needs and respond to them.

"Stay tuned" for the information you'll need to access this exciting way to learn and be a part of the CTN generation!