Slovenia chooses Airbus TETRA for nationwide comms

Slovenia’s Ministry of Interior has selected a consortium headed by Airbus for the deployment of a new TETRA digital radio network for the country’s state authorities and police forces.

The consortium comprises Airbus, Telekom Slovenije, a provider of telecommunication solutions, and Iskratel, a provider of digital transformation services for the telecommunications, transport, public safety and energy sectors.

The Slovenian State police force, which has been using Airbus TETRA terminals since 2005, will benefit from a state-of-the-art mission-critical system in replacement of the current TETRA system installed in 2004.

Airbus will provide multiple TB3s and TB3hp base stations, a geo-redundant TETRA Taira server, an RCS 9500 dispatching system, a radio gateway to interface other mission-critical systems, a Viewcor network analyser to monitor the network and coverage in real time, Tactilon Management tools and a TH1n radio, as well as customer training and other professional services.

Airbus’s Tactilon Agnet, also part of the implementation, will enable integration of broadband services.

“The new system will provide a wider coverage of the country by reaching 90% of the territory from the 60% covered by the previous one. This will equip our police forces with important and adequate communication means. The new system will also bring a consistent costs reduction compared to the past,” said Minister of the Interior, Aleš Hojs.

“The work of the police is related to solving various security risks; it is important that we respond quickly but thoughtfully,” said Andrej Jurič, Director of the Police.

“However, this is only possible if we have a fast and properly protected transfer of information, which also enables precise coordination of work and liaison with other state bodies when necessary.

“The key is reliable communication, which must not fail in critical moments. Now we will finally be able to build a completely new TETRA network, with which the police will acquire the state-of-the-art technology.”

Delivery of the equipment and technology has already begun and, once fully deployed, the system will be employed by almost 11,000 users as part of a plan to achieve nationwide coverage spanning an area of approximately 20,200 square kilometres.

Pictured: Slovenian authorities at the contract signing ceremony with Airbus. Courtesy Airbus.