The Department of Home Affairs is seeking to replace the communications system that plays a critical role in keeping our community safe.
Minister Juan Watterson MHK will ask Members to support capital funding of £4.9 million at the October sitting of Tynwald. The investment is needed to fund the replacement of the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) system, which has reached the end of its operational life after 11 years of continuous service.
TETRA provides secure and reliable communications for the Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service and Ambulance Service, and is an integral part of the Emergency Services Joint Control Room.
The system is used by a further 18 organisations across the Isle of Man Government and is essential to the safe running of many high-profile events, including the Island’s motorcycling festivals. There are 3,300 terminals in operation and TETRA has handled almost 15 million calls since it was installed in 2003. One of its main functions is to co-ordinate the multi-agency response to emergencies and major incidents, such as this year’s storms and coastal flooding.
Significant savings have been achieved on the original budget for the replacement TETRA system thanks to the efforts of a Project Board comprising officers from the Communications Division of the Department of Home Affairs, Treasury Procurement, Government Technology Services and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The system design and specification have been revised and the project put out to competitive tender to appoint the contractors.
Minister Watterson said: ‘By bringing together knowledge and expertise from across Government and achieving efficiencies at every stage of this project, we have been able to reduce the funding requirements by £1 million. This is an example of joined-up working delivering real savings.’
He added: ‘TETRA makes an important contribution towards Government’s national priority of protecting vulnerable people. The system is vital to the work of the emergency services and the TT Races and Festival of Motorcycling simply could not function without it. Together with the Emergency Services Joint Control Room, TETRA has helped to establish the Isle of Man as a global leader in terms of integrated communications. The proposed investment will fund the latest generation equipment and a new network, as well as a maintenance and support programme.
Subject to Tynwald approval, a new network will be put in place and equipment upgraded at 23 transmission masts and management sites. The existing handsets, which include security, safety and recording features, will be retained in order to contain costs.
The benefits of the replacement TETRA system include –
- Increased network resilience
- Improved overall coverage
- Installation of the latest generation equipment
- New maintenance and support contract
If Tynwald Members support the project there will be a phased migration to the new system, with the work set to be completed by August 2015.
Chris Thomas MHK, Member of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Communications Division, said:
‘TETRA has operated 24/7 for over a decade, but has now reached the end of its operational and maintainable life. Furthermore, the new system offers more for the emergency services and other TETRA users.’
He added:
‘£1 million is a lot to have saved. This is an excellent example of how collaboration and procurement can enhance value in Government capital schemes.’
