PowerTrunk Selected to Deploy A TETRA Network for STM in Canada

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has selected The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), Télécommunication Grimard and PowerTrunk Inc., part of the Sepura Group, to supply and install a new, state of the art TETRA radio and voice recording system for its subway operations across its network. SMi / Grimard will provide the installation and system integration services, while PowerTrunk will supply the TETRA network infrastructure and radio dispatch solution.

The STM's new TETRA network will serve its entire transit network and support all operations-related communications between the control center, train operators and all surface or underground personnel. The technology will also provide the STM’s security service and operations personnel with a cutting-edge communications system.

The new network – composed of over 120 TETRA 800 MHz base stations – will ensure underground radio coverage throughout the entirety of the four subway lines, as well as across all 68 of its subway stations. The new technology will also ensure above-ground coverage across the entire territory of the Greater Montreal Area, including other areas where the STM is active, such as sections of the cities of Laval and Longueil.

To properly support all network operations the system will be comprised of over 50 dispatcher stations, a voice recording system and a new control centre with an interface that will be directly integrated to STM’s existing centralized command system. Once fully deployed, the STM’s network will become the biggest TETRA infrastructure in North America.

The STM subway system is Canada's largest and busiest underground transit system and North America's third busiest, behind New York City and Mexico City’s own public transit networks. Montreal’s public transport has been active for over 150 years and remains at the cutting edge of technology, in an effort to provide users with fast, reliable and economical transportation services. In order to maintain this goal, the STM relies on a state of the art communications system across its entire network.

Bernard Poulin, President and Founder, SMi.

"SMi is one of the first companies to recognize the advantages of the TETRA technology as well as one of the first importers of the TETRA technology in North America. Having operated in various markets throughout the world, we have had the opportunity to observe the advantages of this technology and increase our own knowledge of its capabilities. We are proud to have contributed to the recognition of this system’s advantages right here in our own market.”

Jacques Grimard, President & CEO, Grimard

“We are very proud of our teams’ achievements and are pleased that Télécommunication Grimard is collaborating closely with its partners to bring this major project to life. We also greatly appreciate the trust the STM has placed in us and our partners – The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), and PowerTrunk – to successfully implement its new radio communication network”.

Jose Martin, CEO, PowerTrunk

"Having already been selected by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), New Jersey Transit (NJT), New York City MTA, and now by the STM, TETRA has quickly become the communications technology of choice for large transit agencies in Canada and the United States. We are extremely proud to work with the STM via our long-time partner SMi, and look forward to positively contributing to Montreal’s subway operations.”

Picture: Courtesey of Ville de Montreal