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Motorola awarded industry's first 800 MHz TETRA contract in Asia

Motorola recently announced it had received a multimillion dollar contract to provide the industry's first 800 MHz TETRA system in Asia. The contract is with the Siemens Transportation Systems Group to provide a TETRA integrated communication solution for Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation's (KCRC) West Rail in Hong Kong.

Motorola's TETRA system for KCRC's West Rail will comprise communication coverage spanning 30,5 km of track alignment, an operational control centre, a back-up operational control centre, nine stations and one maintenance centre. When the system becomes operational, West Rail will serve 340 000 passengers a day. West Rail will operate 20 trains, each of seven cars, per hour per direction initially with an average train speed of 60 km/h.

The 10-site TETRA system will be used primarily by the West Rail's train controllers, operators and maintenance personnel for better co-ordination and monitoring of passenger train fleets and maintenance vehicles. The system will include customised and ruggedised train mobile radios, as well as computer-aided dispatch consoles to enable instant voice communication among train operators, station and control centre operators.

A distinctive feature of the TETRA system is its high-quality audio clarity. Through the reduction of voice transmission delays and the production of better voice quality and clarity across the network - the West Rail's operational staff will be able to benefit from greater communication efficiency, therefore reducing the risk of miscommunication.

System integration

Motorola's system integration capabilities will enable the integration of the TETRA system with a signalling system to bring enhanced fleet management functionality to KCRC. Advanced features include automated dynamic train run configuration, back-up configuration in times of emergencies, passenger PA (public address) system calling and a customised graphical user interface - all seamlessly integrated to meet the demanding day-to-day operations of KCRC.

"Communication is vital in managing the daily operations of West Rail efficiently. We are confident that the TETRA system will enhance our operational effectiveness and enable us to in turn provide high standards of service and safety for our passengers," said Siddharth D. Patel, Construction Manager - Rail Systems, West Rail, KCRC.

For more details contact Motorola CGIS on tel: 0800 002 739.

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