Major building blocks of Astrid, Belgium’s nationwide TETRA radio communications network, are to be upgraded by EADS and Belgacom.

Currently the network currently serves about 75 000 public safety and security users. The upgrade will include replacement of a microwave transmission network (provincial backbone) which connects the majority of the antenna sites to the switches, and the multiplexer (cross-connect) equipment. The €7.4 million renewal is to be completed by 2014.

The project includes engineering, installation, configuration and integration of the new microwave links in the operational network. 

These renewal works will enable Astrid, as a critical communications network operator, to increase service availability for its users and to consolidate its infrastructure for the future by supporting the Internet Protocol (IP). Cassidian, which is a member of the consortium, and its supplier NEC will be responsible for the installation and configuration of a new microwave network monitoring system, maintenance, and training. Belgacom will deliver microwave equipment from NEC, installation services and the first line integration and maintenance. Design of the transmission network will be handled under two separate managed engineering services contracts by Cassidian and Belgacom.