Poland, the last big country in Europe without a nationwide digital trunking system for police and emergency services, could soon have a TETRA radio network, following the launch of a tender process last September.

TETRA Forum Poland (TFP), an interest group which has recently joined the TETRA Association, now argues that it is important to finalize the network construction before the beginning of the Euro 2012 Football Cup, so that this prestigious sporting event can be safely organized. A TETRA system, it says, will improve public safety and will be essential for proper functioning of the emergency services, especially in view of the number of visiting football supporters expected. It would also reduce the potential losses associated with natural disasters or terrorist acts.

During the first stage, it is proposed to build the radio network in Warsaw, Poznan, Wroc?aw, Kraków, Gdansk and Silesia, areas which are to host the football event. Project budget is estimated at 500 million zlotys (US$170 million), 75 per cent of which will be covered by EU grants. In subsequent stages, the radio network will be extended to cover the whole country.

Information: http://tetraforum.pl/