Bilboa Metro adds LTE to TETRA network

The President of the Basque Country, Iñigo Urkullu, has inaugurated the latest phase of Teltronic’s communications network for Bilbao Metro, deployed in conjunction with ITELAZPI, operator of the Basque Country’s regional communications network.

The inauguration marked the first official visit to the pilot project, which originated in May 2014. Bilbao Metro’s security infrastructure — used by public safety agencies and transportation entities such as Euskotren and ETS, as well as Bilbao Metro — made it a suitable candidate for the first pilot project using LTE technology.

The project adds LTE to the existing network, which is based on Teltronic’s Nebula solution. The LTE system provides uninterrupted, highly available real-time video monitoring and, in combination with the mission-critical capabilities of the existing TETRA network, can significantly boost security in the Metro, and help facilitate a coordinated response in an emergency situation.

Encompassing voice and data, the fully integrated TETRA-LTE system provides real-time video transmission between trains, stations and the Command and Control Centre in Bilbao, as well as from portable devices owned by the security staff aboard or in the station. Real-time video from cameras at stations can also be displayed.

“We are delighted that this project has had such a positive start,” said Ricardo Lizundia, TETRA systems manager at ITELAZPI.

“This is an excellent platform on which we can easily build our professional broadband services. It is also a cost-effective solution, since we are able to layer LTE technology onto the existing network, alongside existing PMR voice and narrowband data services.

“This opens up a range of interesting possibilities for the network and promises significant improvements in the public service communications within the Basque Country.”

“We are delighted to have participated in this pioneering project, which was made possible by ITELAZPI’s unwavering confidence in Teltronic’s technology, as well as Bilbao Metro’s commitment to innovation and the security of its customers,” said Juan Ferro, VP systems for the Sepura Group.