Since I work for a PMR manufacturer, I usually get a customer's view on technical details only. In the PMR Expo conference, however, I got too see the big picture. The big picture of the world's biggest public safety TETRA network.
The public safety authorities in Germany communicate in the BOS network. This giant TETRA network is governed by BDBOS and its vice president Andreas Gegenfurtner described the network’s current status and future plans. It was refreshing to learn what a customer thinks about network modernization.
First, some impressive numbers on the BOS network:
- 4346 TETRA base stations in use
- 98% of Germany covered
- 571,000 subscribers
- 30,000,000 group calls per month.
For me, the numbers are also motivating. We've all been working with the BOS project at one point or another, and now we can be proud of the accomplishment!
What about the future
The BDBOS plan to have the network in full use for another 10-15 years. The network is planned to undergo modernization so that the new user needs can be met. As vice president Gegenfurtner put it: “We planned it well but of course need the modernization”. There are working groups who are planning the modernization right now.
The BOS network will also adopt the real-time monitoring tool which they developed together with us. The tool will give a view into the status of the radio network, and it will be helpful for the user organizations.
Recent success
Vice president Gegenfurtner also mentioned the G7 meeting that was held this summer in Germany – the BOS network was one key actor in the security around the event. A lot of work behind the scenes was required, but the result was a smoothly run event. (I guess Obama and Merkel were able to share a beer in peace and quiet!)
It was very motivating for me to learn about this success. All in all, Germany has proven an encouraging example.
I know that BOS public safety professionals have enough to deal with in their daily tasks – they should not have to worry about the future of their radio communications!
And with the plans for the steps to modernize, they won’t have to worry.
That is good news for all.
