Broadband  |  2023-12-27

Inrico Delivers Convergent Communications Solution to Shenzhen Marathon 2023

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

As the exclusive communications provider, Inrico deployed its flagship dual-mode radio, the IRC380, alongside a collaborative effort with strategic partner iConvNet.

Inrico, a leading provider of innovative communication solutions, marked another milestone in its commitment to facilitating event success with its active participation in the 2023 Shenzhen Marathon, held on December 3. Following its successful role in the Shijiazhuang Marathon, Inrico stepped up its involvement by becoming the official supplier for the IAAF Gold Label Road Race.

As the exclusive communications provider, Inrico deployed its flagship dual-mode radio, the IRC380, alongside a collaborative effort with strategic partner iConvNet. This partnership aimed to deliver professional convergent communication solutions and empower professionals from different organizations to ensure the safe and smooth run of nearly 20,000 runners.

The sheer scale of the Shenzhen Marathon necessitated a reliable and efficient communication system, prompting Inrico to conduct extensive research on the specific communication requirements for different scenarios throughout the event. The result was a comprehensive communication solution encompassing instant push-to-talk calls, cross-department collaboration, and command and dispatch functions.

Equipping all the 3,500 staff at the race with a dedicated two-way radio or mobile phone would have been too expensive. Inrico recommended the way of BYOD (bring your own device) and introduced iConvNet App to provide Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality on both iOS and Android smartphones. This enabled staff and volunteers to communicate seamlessly with their radios and smartphones through the convergent platform.

Different departments, each utilizing distinct communication systems such as PoC, DMR, and TETRA, were seamlessly connected using convergent devices IRC380. This allowed for the creation of independent communication groups with flexible and unified command and dispatch capabilities. Built with SOS button on top of the radio, any critical alarm triggered by the event management team will get rapid support from nearby forces assigned by the dispatcher with zero delay.

In crowded areas, where thousands of people’s smartphones were accessing the same cellular base stations and the network might be congested, Inrico's dual-mode radio IRC380 seamlessly switched to the private two-way radio network, ensuring uninterrupted PTT calls. The AI noise cancellation feature of IRC380 further enhances the clarity during communications, enabling precise and timely exchanges among staff.

The unique solution brought by Inrico goes beyond facilitating communications and it integrates versatile CCTV-based applications. The video monitoring system cross-checked runners’ faces at entrance checkpoints with ticket purchase records, issuing alerts for any discrepancies. The monitoring system and drones captured scenes of disputes or conflicts, sending real-time data to the command center for swift security responses. In case of emergencies, the IRC380's intelligent PoC radios facilitated video calls, ensuring the timely implementation of emergency measures.

Inrico’s event management solution capabilities, including job tickets and voice and video recording, systematically captured events, providing standardized and reliable data support to the operation center. The data assisted in incident process reviews and root cause analyses, offering valuable insights for future events.