Cassidian to provide a secure TETRA radio communication system to MEA of Thailand

The Thai state-owned MEA (Metropolitan Electricity Authority) has signed a contract in Bangkok with the telecommunication system integrator DRC (Digital Research and Consulting Company Limited) on the provision of a Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS). The contract includes a TETRA radio communication system from Cassidian as the core of the DTRS.

The objective of the DTRS project has been to improve secure communications at MEA. This is achieved by replacing the old analogue radio system with the digital TETRA system. The new system will also have interfaces to other systems, such as the Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PABX) system, the MEA Information Technology System and other communication networks. The TETRA system will provide both voice and data services throughout MEA's operating area in the provinces of Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn.

Under the terms of the contract, Cassidian will supply one TETRA switch, 17 TB3 base stations, 13 dispatcher workstations, 500 TETRA Handheld Radios (THR) and 1250 TETRA Mobile Radios (TMR). A TETRA Connectivity Server will also be delivered, making it possible to integrate value-adding applications into the radio communication system. One of the first applications to be adopted will be an Automatic Vehicle Location solution.

"This is a very important project for Cassidian as this is our first TETRA system to be deployed in Bangkok," says Galvin Wong, CEO APAC of Security & Communication Solutions at Cassidian. "Cassidan is a leading TETRA supplier in the power utilities sector worldwide and we are keen on exploring more business opportunities in Thailand and APAC."

"Drawing on more than 10 years of experience in Telecom projects, we plan to complete the project with MEA ahead of schedule," says Charn Kulthavarakorn, DRC Managing Director."With Cassidian's cooperation we are committing to an 18-month aggressive project timeframe."