Police in Gujarat shift to latest wireless TETRA technology

Cops in Gujarat will soon be seen carrying very compact digital new wireless communication devices instead of the age-old VHF wireless sets. The state government has decided to switch over to the most advanced Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) digital radio trunking system wireless communication network for police communication.

The new communication setup will be initially introduced in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Gandhinagar and will later be expanded to the rest of the state. An official said, "Gujarat police currently uses VHF communication system for voice communication across the network with a set of repeater stations. With the advancement in technology, there is a need to modernize police communication systems with latest technology that is safe and secure and is also able to carry some amount of data and images. The home department intends to procure such a system for its police and para police forces."

He said that the TETRA wireless system will help in immediately transmission of video and images taken from closed circuit television cameras or other devices to all officials concerned. "Through TETRA we will be able to send coded text messages and transfer bulk data. This technology will help in passing the wireless messages in a more secured way and help in defining groups to which they are meant to be sent. The present technology is limited to police communication. Through TETRA, linking of other emergency services like fire, ambulance services etc. will be possible besides sending required messages," said the official.

The police intend to gradually switch over to TETRA in a full-fledged manner. The cost for starting the project in five cities is expected to be around Rs 400 crore.

Currently, Delhi, Hyderabad and some other cities have switched over to TETRA system. The state government has already issued tenders for the project that is expected to be launched in the next few months.

Source: MCCResources