Integcomm, EADS Defence & Security and Saab Grintek Technologies have been selected to equip the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the latest state-of-the-art TETRA technology

Integcomm, EADS Defence & Security and Saab Grintek Technologies have been selected to equip the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the latest state-of-the-art TETRA technology

-A 5-year project worth close to a billion rand
-Aims at improving the security and the fight against crime for around 7 million people
-A major investment ahead of the 2010 world cup

9 February 2008– Integcomm has won a close-to-a-billion rand contract to build a digital command-and-control network for the South African Police Service (SAPS), in the Eastern Cape.

EADS Secure Networks, an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security, will supply the technology and bring in the best of its roll out experience gathered along the numerous radio communication networks the company has already implemented.

“The contract requires Integcomm to supply, deliver, test, commission and successfully operate the TETRA communication network for the Eastern Cape police” said SAPS spokesperson, Senior superintendent Lindela Mashigo. “Work on the terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) network will begin in April and will take roughly five years to complete” he added. “SAPS expect all provinces to have TETRA-based command-and-control, as well as 10111 dispatching by 2015”.

“This contract is a clear sign of how much Integcomm is committed to improve the security in South Africa and we are proud to present the solution that best suits the concrete needs of police officers” said DJJ Scholtz, Midway Two Group Executive Chairman.

“This major step in South Africa is of highest importance for our company and we will naturally work hand in hand day after day with Integcomm to provide the SAPS with a robust and versatile radio communication system, with both future-proof voice and data features including TEDS” said Dirk Borchardt, General Director of EADS Secure Networks.

The TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) capability of the network means that efficient and high-capacity data services will be available to the users over a wide area.

“We believe that this network is the first of its kind, where integrated TETRA and WiMAX technology will be used for state-of-the-art Public Safety Command, Control and Dispatching communications, including mobile video transmission. It could provide unprecedented levels of SAPS work force management and optimisation, thereby greatly improving crime fighting efficiencies,” says Johan Herselman of Saab Grintek Technologies and Chairman of the Southern African TETRA Association.

More than 200 base stations will be installed to ensure a flawless coverage of the province, where around 7 million people live. Around 10,000 EADS terminals are also part of the deal.

Some 16,000 provincial officers will rely on the system to communicate clearly and securely with their colleagues on the field. They can expect a great deal of improvements in their day-to-day operations thanks to the clarity of their communications with colleagues over EADS terminals.

The prime contractor for this contract is Integcomm which is part of the Midway Two group of companies, a Black Economic Empowerment South African firm employing over 10,000 people.

EADS Secure Networks is a world leading provider of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) and an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

Saab Grintek Technologies is a leading techonlogy company based in South Africa recognised globally for its innovative high tech electornics, with focus on ICT, energy management and global connectivity services.Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

Contacts:

EADS Defence & Security
Erwan Hbr
Tel.: +33 (0)1 61 38 66 53
erwan.hebre@eads.com