New Tetra modem helps monitor UAE shipping

Airbus has developed a new LTE-compatible Tetra modem for use in an electronic verification system rolled out by UAE telecoms company Atlas. The solution will employed on behalf of the government to transmit information regarding vessel locations while at sea.

Airbus has developed a new LTE-compatible Tetra modem for use in an electronic verification system rolled out by UAE telecoms company Atlas. The solution will employed on behalf of the government to transmit information regarding vessels while at sea.

The new TW1m unit integrates data including GPS positioning and text messages/voice into the system, subsequently keeping public safety organisations informed in real time. According to Airbus the product incorporates end-to-end encryption, and can be used in supervisory systems, custom telemetry and position tracking.

Speaking of the partnership with Atlas, Selim Bouri, head of Middle East for secure land communications at Airbus, said: "We convinced our partner Atlas with the Tetra modem’s permanent availability and outstanding security features. Our components meet all the essential specifications set by the UAE government institutions.

He continues: "Markets in the Middle East are increasingly pathbreaking for the entire professional mobile radio industry worldwide. The region is at the forefront of development, and Airbus applies its leading hybrid technology, combining Tetra and LTE."

The system works in concert with a wider surveillance infrastructure, including radars, long range cameras, E-passport trackers, location and correlation servers as well as command and control systems.