TETRA to be replaced by Mobile WIFI???? - Full story below - Government programme looking at joining communications provision across all emergency services as Airwave contract comes to an end. A standardised, tri-service communications system for all emergency services could replace the current TETRA radio technology. The Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP), led by the Home Office, was created to find a replacement for the technology offered by service provider Airwave as their contracts with the Police Service are due to come to an end from 2016. In its search for a replacement, the programme is looking at the future provision of radio and data communications for the three emergency services by reviewing the specific requirements of each service. It will also assess the viability of amalgamating the product into a co-ordinated and standardised system that can be easily used by any one of the services. Long Term Evolution The remit of the programme includes providing a capability to be more flexible with data and mobile communications so that they can interface seamlessly with the continuous developments of technology. This will be achieved by examining innovations in technology, including Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology and 4G and probing how these could be developed into the future communications network. Public safety organisations in America are leading the field when it comes to LTE of their communications systems. A nationwide public safety broadband system for all emergency services in each state is progressing following $7million of federal funding. The system will provide a dedicated 700MHz frequency band to police, fire and other first responders which will facilitate applications including real time video and mapping. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is pilot testing the spectrum for functionality with the associated applications. The key priority that has emerged is the need for emergency services to have a guaranteed communications system even at times of peak demand, which commercial providers have not been able to currently meet. The ESMCP is now developing several operational concept models drawing in the requirements of each service including availability, coverage, data (including video streaming), performance and security. In their scope for innovation they will also consider secure personal wireless networks and WiFi. Telecommunication operators that are being consulted during the project include O2, Vodafone and Airwave along with equipment suppliers Motorola, Ericsson and IP Wireless. TETRA Limitations According to Gartner, an information technology research and advisory company who provided an analysis of the current system to the ESMCP, the current TETRA network is not suitable to host “data centric” applications and services, which they believe will be a growing trend. Geoff Stuttaford, the Police Federation’s lead on Airwave, said the current system used by forces had several weaknesses, including radio coverage and resilience. He explained that when the system was contracted to forces, it only covered provision for officers using it on the street. In an interview with PoliceOracle he said: “There are good and bad points to it. “There are serious issues with coverage, especially when officers go into buildings because their signal just drops. “In very rural areas there are problems for officers who are too far away from masts and there are also problems with helicopters using digital radio because the original plans from Airwave never accounted for it being used in that way.” Other issues raised by officers include the length of time it takes for repairs to be fixed as well as poor reception in different areas. As previously reported a research programme is underway by the Imperial College London examining the possible health impact Airwave has on officers. The 12-year study, which began in 2005, involves the health screening and questioning of a selection of officers from all forces in the UK as well as monitoring their exposure to Airwave. Mr Stuttaford added: “There are, however, good points about TETRA; the devices used are smaller and easy to carry and the radios are a lot clearer than analogue, which would fade in and out of coverage. “We can also use the SMS facility for messaging – so there are lots of good things too. Looking at future developments for the Police Service’s radio communication, he added: “The team assembled to look at future provision for police communications are very practically based and they are aware of the concerns we have with Airwave. “It all comes down to money; the more they are willing to invest the better the technology will be.” A spokesman for the Home Office confirmed the government is carrying out an extensive review of the requirements of the emergency services as well as the latest technology available; however, he refused to provide any additional information on it. The only definitive timescale of the programme is that a system must be ready when the current Airwave contract ENDS in 2016. The Home Office declined to provide information on specific timescales. PoliceOracle will report further on this programme when more details emerge
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:12:45 +0000
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