Global leader in the design, delivery and management of critical communications systems, Tait Communications has signed a long-term agreement with European digital mobile telecommunications network company, Entropia Digital to provide a UK-wide Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Tier 3 network including terminals and technical support.

Entropia’s CEO, Philip Vercruysse says that Tait’s proven track record in deploying large-scale networks – and their willingness and ability to adapt – made Tait a perfect partner for this new strategic relationship.

“The relationship between Entropia and Tait goes back many years and we share similar origins,” says Vercruysse. “Tait has significant experience and credibility in mission critical wide area networks, so we’re very comfortable in choosing them as our partners for this significant new venture. What’s even more important to us is the fact that Tait has listened to what we need and tailored the solution to our precise requirements. That kind of agility and adaptability is a rare thing.”

Entropia will deploy a minimum of 200 sites Tait infrastructure to provide coverage across the UK for thousands of users of Tait portables and mobiles. The network roll-out will commence in London before expanding to the South East and other key metropolitan areas like Birmingham, Manchester up to Scotland. In addition to high redundancy mission critical infrastructure and terminals, Tait will provide technical support through its UK services partner, Magdalene, giving Entropia piece of mind as it adopts the DMR Tier 3 platform for the first time. Tait will provide 24/7 redundant technical support via Magdalene’s Network Operations Centre and service support through their UK-wide support teams under the Tait Service Advantage program.

Entropia provides its customers with access to infrastructure and terminals through subscription-based solutions through its partner and dealer network. This allows agencies such as amber light services, transportation, utilities, local authorities and security agencies to upgrade their communications systems without incurring the capital cost of infrastructure. The new DMR Tier 3 network will be designed for maximum flexibility to allow for a broad spectrum of users and will provide portable level coverage, which reduces installation costs compared with other mobile-based wide area systems.

Entropia’s UK clients will benefit from the crystal clear voice quality of Tait’s 9300 series of mobiles and portables – some of the market’s toughest, most durable professional radios. As part of the deal, the terminals will be badged with Entropia branding raising vital brand awareness for Entropia in the UK.

“From the customisation of the terminals themselves, the speed with which we can deliver the solution and even the support agreement we’ve put in place, we’ve done everything we can to make this the ideal solution for Entropia,” says Hans van der Linde, EMEA regional general manager for Tait Communications. “Our client wants to see their brand ‘walking the streets of London’ in the hands of their customers. This technology is the very latest in critical communications technology and makes their business more efficient, more proactive and their people safer. They are the goals that matter to us.”

Entropia Digital, which operates private digital PMR networks in the Netherlands and Belgium, announced its decision to invest in a UK DMR network in December last year. Entropia carefully considered several global communications standards before committing to the DMR Tier 3 trunked solution from Tait Communications.