Coastguard Chooses TeamTalk Network

News Release 24 March 2004

Coastguard Chooses TeamTalk Network For Its Rescue Data System

Mobile radio communications company TeamTalk today announced that the Royal New Zealand Coastguard has chosen to use the TeamTalk mobile radio network for the nationwide rollout of a new rescue vessel data system.

The system sends vital rescue data to a central computer which can be accessed by the Coastguard, the National Rescue Coordination Centre and local Police. This ensures all parties involved in a search are kept informed of the positioning and progress of search vessels and enables the Coastguard to centrally monitor the status of their search and rescue craft.

Coastguard CEO Kevin Rangi said: “We chose the TeamTalk network for the transmission of this data because of its comprehensive coverage, redundancy and cost-effectiveness. We looked at other available options, including cellular and satellite, but none were able to compete with the combined benefits that TeamTalk’s network provides.”

Using software called ‘TRAKD’ from WirelessData Systems, hardware from Tait Communications and TeamTalk’s trunked mobile radio network; the system transmits data from each of the Coastguard’s rescue vessels. Vessel tracking using GPS, asset management information and other vital statistics necessary for organisational efficiency and debriefings are included in the system.

“We are pleased that the Coastguard has chosen the TeamTalk network for the transmission of this critical data,” said TeamTalk Managing Director David Ware.

“A version of this system has been trialled in Sumner for some time now and, by helping streamline and improve rescue coordination, it has saved lives at that beach. We are proud that our mobile radio network will be utilised for the nationwide rollout of the system.”

The Royal New Zealand Coastguard is a volunteer organisation with charitable status. It is self-funded and relies on contributions from sponsors, fundraising and the network of community and charitable trusts around New Zealand. Therefore, it is necessary that the network service provided not only meets the Coastguard’s coverage needs, but is cost-effective.

“TeamTalk’s network is far more cost-effective than alternatives like cellular or satellite,” Mr Ware said. “This coupled with our network coverage in places where cellular coverage is not available makes TeamTalk’s mobile radio network a compelling alternative to the other options in the market.” Mr Rangi said: “TeamTalk’s network engineering, redundancy and reliability also played a role in choosing the company.

“This system will be integral to our operations and therefore we must be certain that the transmission network is reliable and robust. Downtime for whatever reason would be completely unacceptable and would put lives at risk.”

Mr Ware said: “The Coastguard is an organisation that saves countless lives all over New Zealand every year. The implementation of this data system will make our beaches and waters even safer for New Zealanders. It has been a pleasure to work with the organisation and help develop a solution for their needs.”

ENDS

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