Credit: Business Wire
Philippines National Police (PNP) has launched a new digital mobile radio (DMR) communications system as part of widespread digital transformation plans.
Unveiled in Quezon City, the new system was created by Hytera, a provider of professional and private wireless communications solutions.
The communications service is designed to help PNP execute on plans to strengthen communication connectivity, which is attributed to the Smart Policing Project of the organisation.
“During the actual demo, we witnessed seamless connectivity with regional headquarters from PRO-7 and PRO-11,” said Crysler Benedicto of PNP. “The communication and radio check between offices is very clear. And it is a very understandable connection by using the DMR of Hytera which is deployed nationwide.”
The previous analog radio communications system was put in service in 1995, operating with a typical lifecycle of 10-12 years.
According to Benedicto, APCO P16 - the technology it adopted - was "outdated" compared to the radio systems used by PNP counterparts in other countries.
Consequently, “serious communication issues” arose due to the ageing analog system, including high costs of maintenance due to "frequent repair and spare parts shortage", in addition to "poor interoperability, inadequate coverage and low frequency efficiency".
“The DMR technology provided by Hytera is very clear particularly in our area - Davao City which we are implementing Tier III,” added Donel Sungkip of PNP. “Currently, all major events in Davao, the city where the Philippine President is located, are relying on this technology particularly the product of Hytera.”
Specifically, Hytera provided an “intelligent” DMR trunking system and around 20,000 digital terminals, including mobile and portable radio with the aim of establishing a "modern communications system".
The new system has also been billed by the PNP as "highly reliable, secured and unified", allowing the organisation to run daily and mission-critical operations.
The new system can be integrated with many other systems, such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), car ID database for query, etc.
