World's 1st tests of high-speed TETRA data now started in Finnish network

-- Successful first delivery of TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) capable software
-- First Fortecor(r) TEDS capable TETRA data radio in operation in the test network

(May 18, 2010) -- EADS Defence & Security (DS) have joined forces with State Security Networks Ltd., operator of the Finnish VIRVE network, and started testing the TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS). Tests are running on a test network with the same characteristics as the live VIRVE authority network, apart from the Fortecor TEDS-capable software.

This is the first time that the Fortecor TEDS-capable TETRA system software has been delivered to a customer's network. Further, the tests rely on the world's first TEDS data radio that EADS Defence & Security recently launched.

These tests include tasks related to TEDS subscriber provisioning, activating high-speed data services for users, and measurement and analytics tools. According to plans, the first user organisations begin with their own TEDS tests towards the end of the year 2010, running field operational tests on end-to-end applications, both those developed in EADS Defence & Security and those already deployed at the user organisations.

TEDS is the high-speed data evolution of the TETRA radio communication standard, and a Fortecor TEDS-capable TETRA network will provide significantly faster data services than today's TETRA networks without compromising any of the technology's high security or coverage capabilities. Fortecor TEDS is the most cost-effective way to introduce wide area high-speed capability for TETRA users.

EADS Defence & Security was the first vendor to demonstrate TEDS in June 2007 and has continued to develop TEDS-capable TETRA radios as well as system software so that it can run on existing EADS TETRA hardware.

"The authorities' needs to use data-intensive applications is on a constant rise. But commercial networks cannot promise a reliable service because any major incident - a natural disaster such as the recent ash cloud from Iceland, an act of violence, or indeed a planned large sports event - can easily cause them to be completely congested," summarises Dirk Borchardt, Head of Security & Communication Solutions at EADS Defence & Security.

"Our TEDS capable TETRA network, on the other hand, can continue to provide both voice and data services reliably, also in these situations.
"We continuously strive to provide value and trouble-free service to our customers while maintaining optimal cost levels," says Kimmo Manni, CEO of State Security Networks Ltd. "We know how important data communications are for our customers. We actively research options for high speed data, and these tests allow us to study all aspects of TEDS. In addition, our customers can launch their own tests in the special test network and judge from their own viewpoint if and how TEDS would meet their needs."

"We look forward to the findings from these tests: they will contribute to further design improvements both on the EADS TETRA system and radios," concludes Dirk Borchardt.

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