Narrowband  |   Satellite  |  2025-06-20

Piciorgros Launches World's First TETRA Satellite TMO/DMO Link at Critical Communications World 2025

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

The StarLink satellite system is utilized by StarBridge to establish robust and dependable communication connections between central TETRA network and isolated DMO groups.

At this year’s Critical Communications World, that was held this week in Brussels Belgium, Piciorgros GmbH, a developer of critical communications solutions based in Cologne Germany, released a world’s first groundbreaking solution named: StarBridge.

StarBridge is a substantial advancement in communication technology, particularly for TETRA networks that operate in trunked mode (TMO). The primary objective of Starbridge is to establish a seamless connection between direct mode operation (DMO) groups and TMO networks that are not accessible through the primary network infrastructure, such as those employed in maritime operations.

The solution enables robust and reliable communication connections between isolated DMO groups and the central TETRA network by utilizing the StarLink satellite system.

Image0In critical situations, this capability is essential for maintaining uninterrupted communication. This is particularly true in remote or offshore environments where the TMO network coverage is either insufficient or nonexistent.

According to Piciorgros, the StarBridge offers several benefits:

  • Extended Coverage: By utilizing Starlink's satellite connectivity, the local TETRA network can function in areas where traditional network coverage is unavailable or has been destroyed due to natural disasters or other emergencies.
  • Rapid Deployment: The portable nature of the device allows for quick setup, making it ideal for first responders and emergency teams who need immediate communication infrastructure on-site.
  • Resilient Communication: The combination of TETRA's secure and reliable communication with Starlink's high-throughput satellites ensures that critical information is transmitted without delay or loss, even in adverse conditions.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of investing in extending the TETRA infrastructure, organizations can deploy this integrated solution at a fraction of the cost, while still maintaining a high level of service.
  • Scalability: As the Starlink constellation grows, the system's capacity and performance will improve, offering even greater communication capabilities for TETRA users.

The ground-breaking StarBridge is a major advancement in emergency communication technology. It offers a reliable, scalable, and reasonably priced solution that guarantees emergency services' continuous connectivity even in the most difficult settings in full TETRA audio quality as the ACELP voice data is kept digital with no conversion to analog or other codecs.

Adopted and put into use, the StarBridge has the potential to completely transform public safety agencies' operations, improving their capacity to respond to emergencies and safeguard communities around the globe.