06 November 2019
The Philippines National Police (PNP) launched Hytera’s digital mobile radio (DMR) communications system in a bid to strengthen PNP connectivity through digital transformation.
Unveiled during the Philippines Communications and Electronic Service 77th Founding Anniversary, Chinese firm Hytera provided “an intelligent” DMR trunking system and about 20,000 digital terminals.
The new system can be integrated with many others, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a car identification database for queries.
“During the actual demo, we witnessed a seamless connectivity with regional headquarters from PRO-7 and PRO-11,” said PMAJ Crysler M. Benedicto, chief of Com Center Section, FOCCD, CES.
“The communications and radio check between officers is very clear. And it is a very understandable connection by using the DMR of Hytera, which is deployed nationwide.”
The previous PNP analogue radio communications system was put in service in 1995 and has a lifecycle of 10 – 12 years. Its APCO P16 technology was outdated compared with the radio systems used by PNP counterparts in other nations.
Furthermore, serious communications issues had arisen because of the old system, including high costs of maintenance due to frequent repair and spare parts shortage, poor interoperability, inadequate coverage and low frequency efficiency.
“The DMR technology provided by Hytera is very, very clear, particularly in our area — Davao City – where we are implementing Tier 3,” said PLTCOL Donel A Sungkip, AC, RCEO11.
“Currently, all major events in Davao, the city where the Philippine president is located, are relying on this technology, particularly the product of Hytera. As we speak, it is being used for another important event in another province for their celebration. I bring my Hytera radio with me here in Manila, and it is still working and has very nice voice reception.”
A series of live demos were carried out during the event.