Work to upgrade the Isle of Man’s emergency communications system has been completed on schedule and within budget.

The Department of Home Affairs’ flagship communications project, which was approved by Tynwald in December 2014, will provide greater resilience and enhanced coverage for the emergency services and other Government users. It also puts in place a new maintenance and support contract with suppliers Motorola.

Migration to the latest generation equipment has taken place during September, as part of the Department’s overall commitment towards safeguarding the community.

Capital investment was needed to fund the replacement of the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) system, which had reached the end of its operational life after 11 years of continuous service.

TETRA provides secure and reliable communications for the Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service and Ambulance Service, and is an integral part of the Emergency Services Joint Control Room.

The system is used by a number of other Government organisations and is essential to the safe running of high-profile events, including the Island’s motorcycling festivals. It helps to co-ordinate the multi-agency response to major incidents, such as road traffic collisions and emergencies caused by severe weather.

There are 3,300 terminals in operation and TETRA has handled more than 16 million calls since it was first installed. The system provides important security, safety and recording functions, along with the ability to conduct group calls.

The project has included an upgrade of the equipment used at the TT Grandstand race control during the TT Races and Festival of Motorcycling.

Another significant development has been a switch from microwave technology to Government’s Connect Mann system as the means of connecting the 23 transmission sites around the Island. This will improve the quality and reliability of communications.

Substantial savings have been achieved on the original budget for the replacement TETRA system thanks to the efforts of a Project Board comprising Home Affairs, Treasury’s Procurement Division, Government Technology Services and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘TETRA plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable people and supporting events that help to grow the Manx economy. The original system had been in operation round the clock for more than a decade and needed to be replaced. The upgrade has been completed within a very challenging timescale and the migration process has gone smoothly thanks to the hard work of our officers.’

Chris Thomas MHK, Member of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Communications Division, added: ‘This project is an example of how joined-up working and robust procurement can add value to Government’s capital schemes. We have delivered savings approaching ?1million on the original budget, while putting in place an enhanced system that will serve the Island for the next 10 to 15 years.’