World Cup Security Relies on TETRA Networks

 

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship match between the Netherlands and Spain and the numerous other matches held in South Africa during the past four weeks, mission-critical networks supported security and communications challenges. Matches were played across the country at 10 stadiums in nine cities, and EADS Defense and Security and other TETRA vendors’ radio communications helped the South African Police Services (SAPS) oversee the tournament’s safety and security.

 

EADS and local partners Integcomm and Saab Grintek Technologies supplied, tested, commissioned and operated a large TETRA network to provide secure communications in the Eastern Cape, with coverage of Port Elizabeth, including the match venues. The network, comprising more than 200 base stations and 10,000 EADS terminals, provides communications for 16,000 provincial officers across a region with about 7 million citizens. SAPS is one of the first customers that purchased TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS), which will provide high-capacity data services for advanced command, control and dispatching communications, including mobile video transmission.

 

SAPS chose a Panorama Antennas antenna to provide communications in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Fitted throughout the stadium, the low-profile antenna is used for in-building applications. “The soccer officials could not spot the dome antennas,” said Col. Chris Jonck, commanding officer of SAPS. “They blend in with the surrounding structure and are just what they wanted.”

 

The SAPS network will complement another EADS TETRA network at South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport, also ordered in preparation for the football contest. This system, delivered through Integcomm, will include a TB3 base station and will be used by about 100 Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) staff.

 

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