18.000 Greek Police officers forced to stop with TETRA communications
Greek Police will have to go ten years back in terms of communication technology, as they will be forced to use the old radio communication system again.
Website The Greek Reporter reports that the cost of the modern TETRA digital communication system that was installed during the 2004 Olympic Games seems prohibitive. The 10-year contract with the company that installed it back in 2004 was not renewed since the maintenance cost exceeded 5 million euros per year. This means that communication between police officers will be done through the old portable radios used in the past.
According to Greek newspaper “Ta Nea”, from now on, the 18,000 police officers in Athens will be hearing the old familiar voice of the headquarters announcer give commands from the traditional console again.
Problems in communication are already evident as many policemen have to use their mobile phones to communicate. Moreover, analog radio signal is not available in all areas of the capital.
According to the police officers’ union, Greece’s economic crisis does not justify such budget cuts since the use of the old radio system is not very secure. The police chief, however, assured the union that there is an ongoing negotiation with another hi-tech provider that will ensure security for police communication at reduced cost, compared to the TETRA system.
The analog intercommunication system used now is particularly vulnerable as criminals can enter police radio frequencies and learn about police movements on chases or investigations.
In regards to the Counter-Terrorism Squad, measures for secure communications through mobile telephony frequencies have already been taken.
