Zermatt Bergbahnen Moves from TETRA to Push-to-Talk over LTE

With this new communication system, Zermatt Bergbahnen is the first cable car company in Switzerland to rely in a new generation of radio communication.

Switzerland's largest cable car company is taking the next step towards digitising its operational processes. Zermatt Bergbahnen is replacing its existing TETRA radio network with Push-to-Talk over Mobile. As part of the deal, Swisscom is providing a tailor-made solution with 252 configured terminals, to be implemented during ongoing operations. The entire network setup – from planning to commissioning and including training – comes from a single source. With this new communication system, Zermatt Bergbahnen is the first cable car company in Switzerland to rely in a new generation of radio communication.

Daniel Rosatti, Head of Professional Radio Communication bei Swisscom Broadcast AG said on LinkedIn: "A big thank you to the entire project team who almost two years ago took up the challenge with Zermatt Bergbahnen AG to migrate an essential network for the Zermatt resort to digital/PTToM"

Benefits for Zermatt Bergbahnen using the new solution; 

• Managed Service - Functionality is guaranteed by the network. Zermatt Bergbahnen does not need thier own assets or engineers.
• Digitisation and collaboration
  Digitisation facilitates process optimisation and better collaboration between the different user groups such a cable operators, management, technicians and emergency rescue
• Predictable costs
  Flexible use of Push-to-Talk options.

This Push to Talk solution is an additional feature available as an option with NATEL® go subscriptions from Swisscom. It guarantees seamless communication in areas that are business-critical. This means communication is possible even if the mobile network is overloaded. The application will be used on the new terminals that enable new possibilities in the area of the foot of the Matterhorn. In addition to the new mobile-radio communication, a new software for the digitalisation of the processes of the slope rescue service is being introduced at the same time.

Swisscom values the deal with Zermatt Bergbahnen as very important, as it is one of the first leading customers that moves to the digitized PTToC solution. Previously the company migrated many of their end users from analogue communications to Digital Mobile Radio Tier II communication solutions such as the The Lenk Bergbahnen Cooperative and energy company, Groupe E.

Earlier in 2018 they served world’s toughest military ski mountaineering competition with a reliable DMR radio network.

 Picture: Courtesy of Michi Portmann