Secure cross-border communication first
The Airbus collaboration tool Tactilon Agnet has been used for the first time to enable secure cross-border broadband communication among public safety personnel.
The technology, developed by Secure Land Communications, an Airbus business unit, provides integrated applications, including voice services, instant messaging, video communication, location mapping and emergency calls.
It is being used to enable the secure exchange of information for emergency services between Italy and Austria.
Firefighters, paramedics and rescue workers in South Tyrol in northern Italy are using the tool to speed up complex rescue operations both outside and within the region.
For example, communication during patient transportations from the city of Bolzano in South Tyrol to Innsbruck in Austria can now be followed using Tactilon Agnet without interruption. It means rescue teams remain in constant connection with their colleagues and headquarters in South Tyrol, which previously was not possible.
Airbus says that whether emergency service workers are operating within their region or abroad, “the communication platform works everywhere in the world” and is invaluable for special operations.
The flexible exchange of information is coupled with the South Tyrolian regional radio network, which is based on Airbus’ latest Tetra (terrestrial trunked radio) technology using Internet Protocol. It is combined with secure commercial LTE (long-term evolution) networks and allows real-time communication. Both task forces and specialists from South Tyrol can therefore contact other rescuers worldwide.
“South Tyrol is among the first regions where the Airbus application Tactilon Agnet has been completely rolled out. The flexible app is based on the region’s new Tetra network and has proven to be a first-rate additional tool,” says Markus Rauch, coordinator of the regional radio service of Bolzano. “Thanks to Tactilon Agnet, our flow of information works professionally and securely.”
With Tactilon Agnet, participants in the South Tyrolian radio network can also quickly and securely integrate experts or other helpers into Tetra-based communication, even if those people have only a smartphone with commercial broadband network access.
