Reader Survey Reveals Radio Technology Trends

 

By Lindsay A. Gross, Managing Editor

 

RadioResource International recently surveyed readers from around the globe to find out about mobile radio communications technology trends. The survey revealed that analog conventional networks are still the most widely used worldwide, with digital trunked and digital conventional following as the next most used technologies.

 

In several geographic regions, digital trunked and digital conventional are the most used technologies, but at least 50 percent of respondents also use analog trunked or analog conventional technology. “Even though we are in the digital era, trunked analog such as MPT 1327 are in big demand mostly because of the cost benefit and the fact that it is a proven and tested technology with multiple suppliers worldwide,” said Carlos Chajin, business development manager for Latin America for Team Simoco.

 

About 21 percent of respondents use satellite networks with the Middle East and Africa using satellite services the most.

 

The most-used digital technologies are Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) and TETRA. Thirty-two percent of respondents use Project 25 (P25). According to the survey results, TETRA is the most commonly used in Europe and Central and South America. Chajin said that interest in trunked digital systems is increasing especially fast in Central and South America. “Utilities, transportation and public safety are looking to invest in technologies that will survive for the next 10 years,” Chajin said.

 

Fifty-one percent who don’t already use digital technology said they plan to migrate within the next two years.

 

Respondents plan to make other RF technology purchases in the near future as well. Radio accessories such as headsets and microphones, antennas, power supplies, and mobile computing devices such as laptops and PDAs comprised some of the equipment planned for purchase within two years.

 

As to the economy, 41 percent of respondents said that the economy has only mildly hurt their organizations during the past year while 30 percent said it has been business as usual. The economy has had the largest effect on Europe, according to respondents. Sixty-seven percent said the economy has mildly hurt their organizations. Because of the economy, organizations in European countries are looking to maximize their dollars and their networks, said Phil Kidner, CEO of the TETRA Association. “Platforms such as TETRA offer users enormous potential. It’s not just a voice system; it’s also a data system,” Kidner said. “So in the present climate of financial restraint in many countries of the world, users are looking to exploit their current networks to get the most out of them.”

 

Even though 44 percent of Asia/Pacific respondents said it’s been business as usual this year, “I think the business outlook and climate in this part of the world — Asia, and in particular China — is quite different but on the rise,” said Jolly Wong, chief police telecommunications engineer for the Hong Kong Police Force.