• contract worth in excess of £500,000
• unified system will improve search and rescue radio communications

NTL's Public Safety Group, part of the company's broadcast division, has won the contract to provide the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland (MRCofS) with a new unified communications system.

The design and build contract, worth in excess of £500,000, is for a new bespoke radio solution which will enable multi agency communications during search and rescue operations.  This system, working on the UK SAR Bandplan, will replace numerous existing older radio networks and single channel operations. 

NTL conducted exhaustive tests and trials in order to tailor the system to the exacting specifications of the MRCofS.  It will supply 800 hand-portable radios and accessories, plus mobile radios for rescue vehicles, and repeaters.  The equipment will operate on a multi-channel communications system designed to reduce local interference and alleviate channel congestion, and allow for efficient joined-up communications with other public safety organisations placed at Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents.

The MRCofS is a charitable organisation which represents 23 teams of civilian volunteers.  The new communications system has been funded by a generous grant from the Scottish Executive as well as a substantial bequest. Nick Forwood, chairman of the MRCofS commented: "It has been clear for some time now that our volunteers needed a more unified network to allow for reliable communication between the variety of mountain rescue teams and other Emergency Services attending incidents. During the consultative period, ntl went over and above our expectations -  members of the NTL team in Scotland even accompanied our rescue volunteers on a number of events and incidents to determine the mountain rescue communications issues. This, combined with NTL's extensive experience in the provision of public sector radio and communications services, meant that it was a clear choice for us as to who provided best value.  We have been extremely impressed by the  Public Safety team, and look forward to the smooth roll-out of our new network. "

Malcolm Davies, NTL's Group Sales Director for Public Safety added: "Due to the nature of the harsh terrain, plus the conditions and weather experienced by Scottish Mountain Rescue teams whilst carrying out their duties, this was a challenging contract for us.  We have worked extensively with the MRCofS to ensure that both the new system and the transitional migration phase will be smoothly delivered, and look forward to being involved in the ongoing maintenance and support of the new network in the near future."

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