BAPCO 2014: Tetra radio made available in the UK
Over the last 12 months, the radio has gone through the formal evaluation process with CESG, the UK government’s national technical authority for information assurance, and certification is imminent.
It has also undergone conformance tests conducted by Airwave which confirm its suitability to operate on the Airwave nationwide Tetra network, used by all emergency services organisations and other Airwave sharers.
The TH1n from Airbus Defence and Space is the thinnest and most light-weight Tetra handset available today. The unique attributes of the product were recognised last year at the International Tetra Awards, when it secured the title for ‘Best Tetra Enterprise Product’. It is small enough to be slipped into a pocket, attached to a belt, or carried in a handbag.
This makes it ideal for a range of users, in addition to those in conventional roles. It has particular appeal for those wearing light uniforms or in business clothing – black tie, even – because it can be carried discreetly. The TH1n also comes with some unique features, such as the ‘Where are you?’ capability, which tells users through graphical information displayed on the handset how far away their closest colleagues are – both in terms of distance and direction – without consuming traffic units. In trials, this has proven a strong asset for those working in large open areas or remote rural locations. It suits a range of different roles, and will serve many who have found it difficult to find a radio of the right size and weight to fit their needs.
The TH1n will be available through the National Airwave Framework Agreement. This multi-supplier framework is sponsored by the Metropolitan Police Service and is open for use by public sector bodies using the Airwave service via the Bluelight portal. The framework allows customers to benefit from the convenience, choice and value for money derived from purchasing goods and services through a single, pre-competed national framework.
The handheld radios of Airbus Defence and Space deliver high performance and usability for mission-critical voice and narrowband data communication. According to Colin Paynter, CEO for Airbus Defence and Space UK: “Our investment in accrediting this handset is indicative of our commitment to delivering Emergency Services Network communications in the UK now, and in the future.”
