Eircom, Motorola and Sigma Wireless Consortium (TETRA Ireland) Selected for Nationwide TETRA System Deployment

Contract includes delivery as well as management and operation of the network

HONG KONG – TETRA WORLD CONGRESS. - A consortium comprising Eircom, Motorola and Sigma Wireless (TETRA Ireland) has secured Ireland’s National Digital Radio Services contract. The 8-year ‘build-own-operate’ contract will start with the roll-out of services in an area covering parts of Dublin (including the port and airport). The nationwide roll-out is scheduled to be completed within 2 years.

TETRA Ireland will work closely with the end-users of the network; An Garda Síochána, the Ambulance Service, Prision Services, Fire Service, Customs Service and all public sector agencies across Ireland to ensure the new system meets their requirements. The network will be operated as a fully managed service. It will enhance communication between the users, improving public safety for Irish citizens. The contract follows the successful deployment and operation of a pilot system covering Dublin and will cover the design, construction, management and operation of the network for public safety agencies and non-commercial public safety bodies in the Republic of Ireland.

The Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, has welcomed the new contract. He said: "The Government and I have consistently given our commitment that An Garda Síochána will receive every necessary support to enable them to operate effectively as a modern police force.

The provision of the new digital radio service for the Force is a significant landmark in delivering on that promise. Almost €100m has been provided for Garda technology related projects this year alone and this includes significant financial provision for the new radio service.”

The solution developed by the consortium will include:

* Encrypted and resilient digital radio network providing instant communications for mission critical situations
* Multi-functional handsets that can operate as digital radios and provide access to other public communication networks
* GPS location tracking applications such as automatic vehicle location and mobile data services
* Secure nationwide inter-communication between all non-commercial public sector bodies
* Cross-border and cross-band capability providing compatibility with international networks


“Naturally we are pleased to be part of the roll-out of a nationwide TETRA network in Ireland. This win further demonstrates Motorola’s ability to work as a reliable partner in delivering communication solutions to Government and public safety organizations,” said Manuel Torres, vice president and general manager, Motorola Government & Public Safety, EMEA.

This latest contract builds on Motorola’s public safety heritage, its leading position within the TETRA market and its track record in delivering mission critical managed services. Motorola has delivered TETRA solutions to over 350 customers across 75 countries, in both public safety and commercial environments.