Airwave 'Could Be Replaced'

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.

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Source: Police Oracle