Broadband  |  2023-07-13

Radio Commz & Inrico Empower UK Local Authority Communications

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Radio Commz UK has been awarded a contract with Brighton & Hove Local Authority. The largest "Connected Council" Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) Solutions ever brought to a UK Local Authority, which includes the Critical Commz® PTT system and PoC radios.

The local authority faced challenges when coordinating tasks such as the removal of fly-tipping incidents, where waste collectors were unable to access bins. They needed a solution that allowed separate channels while keeping the entire organization connected. Additionally, merging a large number of users and facilitating communication between different departments posed a challenge.

With the advanced Radio Commz Push to Talk (PTT) system, they can now provide a PTT solution similar to Airwave (Emergency Services) but with enhanced features. This system allows different departments to have private channels (Groups) that are inaccessible to others. Colleagues can also engage in Point-to-Point communication outside their specific group within the organization. The "connected" aspect of connected councils ensures seamless collaboration.

Colleagues can easily search for employees based on their shift, name, or Council Wide Identification Number (CWIN). Additionally, colleagues can add a selfie to their PTT profile, facilitating identification within the system. To address the challenge of merging a large number of users, Dispatchers hold the CWIN database. Colleagues can request a colleague's CWIN, which consists of a 5-digit number assigned to individuals in a specific department. By entering the CWIN into the app, users can initiate Point-to-Point calls in just one press. This streamlined method eliminates the need for colleagues to know each other's names.

In addition to a robust system, Brighton & Hove Local Authority required stable and reliable terminal devices. The Inrico T320 PoC radios are globally popular and meet these needs. They support GPS, GLONASS, and AGPS positioning, enabling real-time positioning and map-based scheduling. With dual-microphone noise cancellation, users can communicate even in noisy environments. The dual SIM card dual standby feature extends communication range, while the M6 interface allows for connectivity with external devices like hand microphones. With an IP65 level of protection, the radios can withstand harsh environments. More importantly, they seamlessly integrate with the Critical Commz® PTT system, providing a complete solution from platform to terminal.

"It is extremely exciting to have provided the largest Local Authority PoC contract to Brighton & Hove City Council. One of the hardest challenges in the industry is getting clients around the world to make the switch from a traditional system to Push to Talk over Cellular." Addressed by Steven Moore, Managing Director of Radio Commz UK.

The Critical Commz® PTT system continues to evolve with new ideas introduced every month, ensuring an exciting and modern future for communication solutions.