TETRA network expands in Sweden

Sweden’s nationwide TETRA network, RAKEL, is gradually expanding its number of subscribers, as increasing numbers of organisations seek to use its security, data and efficiency.

Over recent months, three key Swedish health authorities have chosen Sepura radio terminals as part of the upgrade of their communications systems onto the RAKEL network.

In the Skåne region in southern Sweden, the regional health authority has chosen Sepura radios from SRSAB to equip 90 ambulances and 20 hospital centres. The terminals will be used on the RAKEL network and feature not only a twin control head installation of SRG3500 mobile radios in around 90 vehicles, but also a STP8000 portable radio for each of the two-person crew.

In addition to supplying the hardware, SRSAB will also be carrying out interactive training for key personnel at the authority, which dealt with about 110,000 emergency calls in 2010.

The second project involves the Västra Götaland region of western Sweden, around Gothenburg. SRS has won the contract to supply Sepura radio terminals to SOS, an organisation which provides a total turn-key solution, encompassing emergency call management, dispatch and on-board equipment for the region’s 100 ambulances.

The project involves around 260 SRG3500 mobile radios, with the remainder of the 400 radios in the contract accounted for by STP8000 portables.

The largest and latest of the projects covers the Stockholm area, where the county council and its ambulance operator have ordered 400 radio terminals. The supply agreement includes radios for around 100 ambulances and seven hospitals. In addition to having an SRG8000 mobile radio installed, each vehicle will also carry two STP8000 portable radios.

Dealing with around 180,000 cases per annum, this ambulance organisation is one of the largest in Sweden.