TETRA  |  2017-12-20

MSB Warns for Short Interruption of Communication on RAKEL TETRA Network

Source: Gert Jan Wolf | The Critical Communications Review

RAKEL says that the effect of an exchange between the older TB2 models to the new TB3 base station models, is an interruption of communication for about 15 minutes. This only happens when the actual exchange of a base station is made.

Under the name "Bravurprojektet", Swedish TETRA operator RAKEL will start with the upgrade of its TETRA network to release 7 on 14-15 January 2018.

Rakel mentions a small delay in the exchange of base stations in the region of Skåne. These base stations will be upgraded from the older TB2 models to the new TB3 base station models in week 6. Initially these exchanges were planned in week 3.

In general RAKEL says that the effect of an exchange is an interruption of communication for a short time (about 15 minutes) when the actual exchange of a base station is made. This results in lack of  coverage just around the base station. In major Swedish cities, this will most likely not be noticed as there is usually overlapping coverage from other radio stations. 

There is a good reason for RAKEL to switch to the new The TB3 base station model. Over the last few years, the TB3 have become very popular as the system improves the quality of service and radio coverage. For example, the coverage for the world's largest TETRA network in Germany is build with TB3 TETRA base stations.