Governments the world over are recognising the need to take their mission-critical mobile communications systems into the digital era. In doing so, there is almost universal acceptance that critical national infrastructure must support the operational needs of not only the emergency services, but other agencies with civil contingency responsibilities.
Across Western Europe there has been widespread adoption of digital mobile communications technology, primarily based on the TETRA standard for the blue-light services. Eastern Europe is also following suit, and similar programmes of work are underway in the Americas and the Caribbean. One such programme led by Analysys Mason is taking place in Bermuda.
The island – or more correctly group of islands – lies 700 miles east of Florida and forms the north-eastern tip of the infamous Bermuda triangle. The programme in Bermuda started with the stark realisation that the current, disparate, analogue radio systems in use across the emergency services had become operationally inadequate and were in urgent need of replacement. During initial deliberations it became clear that there was an immediate need to look at interoperability issues involving both the uniformed services (Police, Fire, Health, Regiment and Corrections) and a number of other government departments that were also using two-way radios.
The requirement was a communications technology platform that allowed the Government to have its own network for other communications devices and offer an open architecture framework that would allow future add-ons, as technology advances. In examining the level of importance with which other jurisdictions view interoperable communications, and specifically the USA’s Homeland Security Department, the Government has concluded that this is an important initiative for Bermuda as it seeks to remain a sophisticated, safe, technologically cutting-edge jurisdiction. It was at this point that Analysys Mason was commissioned by the Government of Bermuda to lead the business case, specification, procurement and implementation process for the programme.
The programme faces a number of interesting design challenges, outlined below.
- As Bermuda lies in a hurricane belt, any external structures such as antennas and towers, must withstand wind-speeds of 155 miles per hour averaged over a two-minute period, and must withstand the corrosive effects of sea spray.
- The infrastructure must support partitioning between the different government departments, and yet still provide the ability for inter-agency communication when necessary.
- The islands’ topology – with small low hills and depressions – makes the delivery of the radio frequency coverage a serious issue.
The programme reached an important stage in July 2008 with the selection of a number of commercial organisations to receive the statement of requirements. At this stage, unusually, there is no mandate of the technology that will underpin the communications solution. There are a number of potential technologies that are capable of delivering both the voice and data requirements, and there are a number of different commercial arrangements that would support the ongoing provision of the solution. Through responses to the invitation to tender, due during September 2008, it will be interesting to see just what the best technical and commercial fit will be for Bermuda.
But one thing is for certain: the mobile communication needs of government users will be well served through the adoption of digital radio technology, based on open standards, and able to support future initiatives to deliver world-class services to the citizens of Bermuda.