Saddleworth business radio users tuning into digital network
Control room
Oldham Council is believed to be the first local authority in the country to install a digital TETRA based radio network, that is also now available to commercial operators within the borough. TETRA or Terrestrial Trunked Radio technology is used by the blue light services in the UK.
Local businessman Ian Shepherd, who manages the Chambers Business Centre at Hollinwood was the first commercial user. Ian has been working closely with the council’s response services team, and network provider Arqiva, to bring the service to the wider business community. Pennine Cars, the private hire operator also based in Delph are about to transfer onto the digital system which will give them unrivalled coverage.
Ian, who lives in Delph told Saddleworth News: “I cannot praise the digital system enough. We have a large site with a labyrinth of buildings and needed a reliable system that would allow our site management and security teams to stay in touch. The coverage throughout the borough is excellent and allows managers to keep in touch with situations while away from the site. It has been a pleasure to work with OMBC and Arqiva on this groundbreaking project.”
As well as allowing communications within specific talk groups, the system can connect directly with the council’s 24hr manned control room and ideal for lone worker protection. Coverage in areas such as Saddleworth is also very good, where conventional analogue systems struggle.
Town centre shops, pubs, clubs, security contractors, vehicle fleet operators and many other businesses could benefit from using the system.
The council is inviting any business interested in the system to attend a drop-in event, being held at the Civic Centre room 222 on Friday 20th September between 10am and 4pm. Further details can also be obtained by calling 0161 770 5495.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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