Even as mobile telephony makes headlines, radio trunking operators are crying for attention. It is not poor service quality, but ignorance about the benefits that has been hurting the sector. Though it has features like instantaneous access, group talk, message broadcasting, and separate radio services from other communication networks. But, even after nine years after launch, operators have not been able to gain momentum and have been lagging behind basic and mobile operators.

For the enterprises who want to go for radio services, there are two service options available–they can either go for captive services or outsource. Though captive services are best suited for larger enterprises, cost of setting up the infrastructure is huge and hence, not a preferred option. Also, to start a service, DoT has to issue a licence, a tedious process. However, government agencies like security forces, police, and municipal corporations have their own radio service. These agencies have dedicated spectrum and technical team as secrecy and security issues prevent them from using public networks. Outsourcing is the recommended model as it gives the client, freedom to choose and customize the service and pay for only what is being used.

Technology Options
l Logic Trunked Radio (LTR): Developed in the late seventies by US-based EF Johnson company, others like Motorola, Maxson, Kenwood, Vertex and others have come out with their own version of LTR. Developed originally for single site usage,multi-site versions are also available now.

l Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA): This is the modern private mobile radio and public-access mobile radio technology for police, ambulance, fire, transport and security services. It is an open digital standard promoted by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute.

l SmarTrunk II: An overlay system, which means that trunking can be added in steps to conventional repeaters.

l PassPort Protocol: Developed by radio equipment maker, Trident, it has features like individual/group ID, electronic serial number, wide area smart dispatch network, auto roaming, Selcall, and ESN check.

l EDACS: Ericsson introduced this for the police and manufacturing sector, but it is now available for public use.

l Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network: A Motorola technology which combines the capabilities of four distinct devices into one handset, using a single network.

l MPT 1327: This an open standard defined by British Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. It uses a digital control channel with analog voice channels and supports several high-end system features.