Communications are the backbone of the emergency services
TETRA arrived in Austria just over a year ago, deployed by network operator TETRON, a joint venture between Motorola (65%) and Alcatel (35%).
The decision to choose TETRA was made after a lengthy evaluation process by the Austrian MoI, during which alternative technologies were considered, including GSM.
Bernhard Krumpel, managing director of TETRON, told TETRA News why the choice was for TETRA. "The communications system is the backbone of the emergency services. We must provide the best technology, and TETRA was chosen as the most suitable. It provides a strong public safety system, with integrated communications. It is a single system standard that meets the Schengen requirements for cross-border communications, and it is interoperable and secure."
"The blue light services in Austria - the police, fire and ambulance - can now all talk to each other over a secure system in Tyrol and Vienna, including when in the underground rail system, where TETRA was deployed in just five months ready for Austria's EU Presidency term last year."
TETRON is currently concentrating on building a nationwide network with excellent voice quality. Implementing data services is the next step for the 60,000 users expected on the network once it is fully completed.
"In today's climate, the ability to provide excellence in emergency services, especially during major events and potential catastrophes, is the most important responsibility of the government," continued Bernhard Krumpel. "Compare the escalating cost of maintaining an old and outdated analogue system with implementing a new, evolutionary and fit-for-purpose system and there is no debate.
"As an additional benefit, as we are in the age of the mobile phone, the training required on new TETRA terminals is minimal as people are familiar with the mobile device. This means that new users can be proficient very quickly."
The TETRON network is operational in Vienna and Tyrol. Currently Tetron implements the service in Lower Austria and Styria. Nationwide coverage is expected by 2009.