3T Communications brings TETRA to the U.S. in a suitcase!
The single carrier demonstrations impressed show visitors not only because of a form factor unattainable by prevailing local critical communication technology but especially because the standard functionality supported by TETRA exceeds roadmap promises of
3T Communications, the TETRA arm of the Frequentis Group of companies, demonstrated its new SOLO TETRA base station at the annual International Wireless Communications Equipment show in Las Vegas. The demonstration highlighted the superior performance and functionality of the TETRA digital technology, requiring half the spectrum in a fraction of the real estate over technologies previously available in the U.S
The single carrier demonstrations impressed show visitors not only because of a form factor unattainable by prevailing local critical communication technology but especially because the standard functionality supported by TETRA exceeds roadmap promises of other technologies.
Potential customers witnessing the demonstration had an opportunity to do so first-hand placing various call-types and navigating network management and user configuration web-based interfaces. Visitors found significant advantages with the TETRA system and specifically with the SOLO base station in the following areas:
- True interoperable Open Standard: TETRA is an open standard with a stringent policy enforcing adherence to certify interoperability across different manufacturers’ handsets. As such, it is the most widely used LMR technology, outside of the U.S., by public safety and many other agencies worldwide counting currently over 2 million users in Europe, Asia, South America, and soon also in North America.
- Radio Efficiency and Capacity: TETRA’s 4-slot TDMA technology makes it the most frequency-efficient LMR technology available today. It provides 4 independent communications channels in a single 25 KHz carrier with class 2 full power. The SOLO station in particular packs this capability in a 40 lb package with dimensions that fit carry-on airline restrictions! Competing technologies need 4 base stations, associated power supplies and an additional antenna combining system to approach this capacity.
- Potential Cost Savings: A typical TETRA handset costs a fraction of what handsets in the U.S. cost prior to the arrival of TETRA. Supporting full duplex calls between users and to external public networks creates a user experience similar to cell phones, negating the need to carry, and pay for two separate devices. The SOLO station limits operational and deployment costs by consuming just 130W of power at full output, minimizing required installation real estate, and simplifying ongoing support and maintenance.
- Capabilities: Users were amazed to learn that a terminal with full duplex, integrated GPS, man-down, Blue Tooth, simultaneous voice and data, DMO, and encryption is more economical than a larger more power-hungry P25 terminal without these features.
- Network Management: Potential users and technical personnel were surprised by SOLO’s network level features with power supply and antenna system integrated into a desktop form factor. Even in standalone mode, SOLO supports IP-wired connection to a console, Web-based Professional Network Management and System Configuration, and User Authentication, ensuring uncompromised functionality despite the small footprint.
Witnesses to the demonstrations concluded that TETRA must be an option for upcoming critical communication procurements. Inquiries about the regulatory landscape followed, surprising some with the realization that TETRA has now arrived both, legally and physically, in the U.S.
"In times of increased fiscal awareness, TETRA, of all LMR systems, provides the most bang for your buck" states Robert Jastram, 3T Communications’ Director for the Americas. "It has been a long and arduous road but we can now unequivocally say that the U.S. will finally benefit from two million users confirming TETRA as THE worldwide critical communications standard."
Source: TANDCCA
