The Summit took place on November 11–12 at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul. Taking as its main theme the G-20’s role in the post-crisis world, it focused on the global financial system and the world economy. Represented at the meeting were the European Union and 19 other countries.

NATIONAL TETRA STRATEGY

For several years, the Korean government has been pursuing a goal of upgrading its public safety networks to TETRA. The latest count suggests that as many as seven metropolitan TETRA systems and one province-wide network are now in operation.

Most provinces still rely on older VHF systems, but plans are being put in place to extend TETRA coverage to the remainder of the country, with competitive tenders for each province. Interconnection would be required between these systems, initially for voice communications but with data to be added later. The Government is preparing a law which will require interconnection between provinces.



MAKING CONNECTIONS: WITHUS, IMPA'S TETRA PARTNER

Established in 1996, Withus has manufactured CDMA and WCDMA repeaters which it has exported to China, Taiwan and Japan as well as developing a WiBro repeater which it has exported to Japan. The company has also been involved in developing technology solutions for the Korean Helicopter Programme.

Withus became involved in TETRA development in South Korea following the TETRA tender request which IMPA issued in 2004. After Teltronic was selected as the winning bidder, Withus became its trusted partner for the South Korean market.

Besides developing a number of special TETRA applications, Withus has provided IMPA with a full maintenance service since 2008. During 2010 Withus played an active role in upgrading the TETRA network to ensure that IMPA was fully prepared to receive the G-20 visitors.

Since winning the IMPA contract, Withus has also completed the Formula 1 circuit project in Yeongam province, where the first South Korean F1 Grand Prix took place in October. The company has also delivered TETRA terminals as far afield as to police in Botswana.