EADS DS to Extend Bulgarian Security Forces' Tetra Network

• With more than 100 communication sites, TETRA network will be extended to achieve nationwide coverage

Result of long-term cooperation between the Bulgarian authorities and EADS Defence & Security

(February 15, 2010) -- EADS Defence & Security has been awarded a contract by the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance to extend the TETRA network for the security forces. This complementary contract will achieve almost full TETRA network coverage of Bulgarian territory.


Under the contract, EADS Defence & Security will deliver 50 TB3 base stations, an Automatic Vehicle Location system and a WAP server for mobile applications. The network extension, covering the western and eastern borders of Bulgarian territory, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2010.

This contract will be executed in partnership with Ericsson Bulgaria for site-related activities.

At the end of December 2008, the Bulgarian Finance Minister awarded EADS Defence & Security (DS) a previous contract to deliver a turnkey extension of the TETRA network for the Bulgarian Border Police.

EADS Defence & Security has already delivered the network currently in use by the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, for which the cooperation dates back to 2002.

The increased population density in a globalised environment calls for advanced safety and crisis management. Immediate and comprehensive situational awareness is one of the most critical parameters in coordinating security forces to handle critical situations efficiently. Providing adequate public safety in the event of natural catastrophes, man-made disasters and terrorist attacks, and preventing international crime, were among the major motivations of the Bulgarian Government for installing a nationwide Professional Mobile Communication System. The TETRA system provides the Bulgarian security forces with the capability to decide and act on a solid awareness basis in any emergency situation.

"By signing this new contract, the Bulgarian government has demonstrated its confidence in our' ability to design and provide future-proof security solutions and services in the long term," said Dirk Borchardt, Head of Security & Communication Solutions at EADS Defence & Security.

Source : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)