TETRA  |  2016-02-23

Airbus Defence and Space provides nationwide Tetrapol network during Pope's visit in Mexico

Source: MCCResources

Mexican security forces relied on Tetrapol communications technology from Airbus Defence and Space during Pope's visit, that took place from 12-18 February.

During the Pope's visit to Mexico from 12 to 17 February, security forces and various assistant organisations relied on Airbus and Defence Tetrapol technology to ensure the safety of Holy Father Francis. Mexico's national professional mobile radio network Interconexión de Redes Integrales de Seguridad Pública (IRIS) supported trouble-free communication among members of the Mexican security forces. As a result, hundreds of thousands of visitors gathered peacefully at the events with the Pope.

During his four-day journey to Mexico City, Ecatepec, Morelia, Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Ciudad Juárez, the Pope also visited troubled regions. His security was a major concern at any time. Thus, a special coordination room of Airbus Defence and Space was set up to assist the various security organisations. Tetrapol network users, such as police and fire-fighters, were very satisfied with the performance of the IRIS network and the excellent response of the communications services during the events with Pope Francis.

The nationwide network IRIS is used by the Mexican security forces and interconnects 32 smaller regional networks. It provides secure voice and data services and has been in operation since 1999. With around 400 base stations and 150 000 terminals, the network securely covers an area of more than 800 000 square kilometres.

Public Safety organisations in France, Spain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia rely on Tetrapol technology from Airbus Defence and Space on a nationwide scale.