The TETRA World Congress now alternates between Europe and the rest of the world. For 2010, the event returned to Asia and a near-record number of visitors came to Singapore. This year, the World Congress is in Budapest, Hungary, May 24–27. The location for the 2012 event will be announced soon – for details, see www.tetra-association.com and www.tetraworldcongress.com The TETRA community TETRA communications systems serve many market sectors, with public safety and transportation currently vying for the lead in terms of numbers of installed networks. Since its introduction, TETRA has been, and remains, the first choice for critical communications in the public safety sector, with the transportation sector showing strong and consistent growth. TETRA systems are being implemented across the world on overland and underground train and metro systems, at airports, sea ports, buses, trams and taxis. TETRA is also increasingly being used by the utilities, by business and industry, for mining, government and military applications. And of course it is the top communications technology choice for major events such as the Olympic Games. The design of TETRA means that the communications system is economically viable whether for a single site solution or a nationwide roll-out. TETRA offers the richest suite of features, a choice of 18 manufacturers participating in the interoperability (IOP) process, a selection of more than 40 terminal models and a level of interoperability unmatched in the professional communications industry. Getting involved Members of the TETRA Association have the opportunity to become fully involved in advancing TETRA. Users can share knowledge, experience and requirements, playing a crucial part in influencing the technology roadmap that drives the evolution of the TETRA standard. Manufacturers and suppliers can seize the opportunity to help open new markets and develop products and services that meet the needs of the professional communications user. The TETRA Association is membership-driven. Our members actively participate in the management of the association, helping to shape future strategy and thus influence the development of TETRA. Members are focused on enhancing the performance, relevance and success of the technology. We work together to create success for the critical communications market, and to safeguard end-users and the wider public who rely on TETRA. Shaping the future With TETRA networks deployed in all regions of the world and serving all traditional PMR markets, the success of TETRA is self-evident. As an existing or potential investor in TETRA, you probably depend for your future on this success continuing. We are currently working with ETSI on the next evolution of TETRA. This could be broadband TETRA, or TETRA interfacing to a broadband technology such as LTE. As a member of the TETRA Association you have the opportunity to be part of this success, to be heard at the highest levels of influence and to participate with all the other member organizations who work together to determine the future of the critical communications market. If your organization is contemplating using TETRA, there is no better way to talk with other users and influence the communications industry to produce the products and services you need. Only by working together can we continue to make the difference that creates success for our members. The TETRA Association leads the global development and promotion of TETRA critical communications for professional users. Formerly known as the TETRA MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), it was established in 1994 to act on behalf of all interested parties in the development of the TETRA telecommunications standard. Members include manufacturers, application providers, integrators, operators, test houses and, telecom agencies. Today the TETRA Association represents more than 150 organizations from all continents of the world. The association provides a forum for all who are interested in TETRA to encourage the development of the technology, the adoption of the standard, and to drive and support initiatives to ensure appropriate levels of spectrum to enable the market expansion of operational TETRA systems. For more information, contact the author directly at phil.kidner@tetra-association.com, or at the association’s offices, admin@tetra-association.com Within the TETRA Association are a number of working groups, mainly comprising volunteers, who play a critical role in protecting, promoting and advancing the TETRA standard. All members are welcome to participate. The Radio Spectrum Group (RSG) works with pan-European regulatory bodies and across continents with governments and regulators to safeguard and promote the needs of critical communications users, providing a collective voice on spectrum requirements.
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