Solutions that align to support the critical communications industry’s transition towards a hybrid future with uninterrupted connectivity are now available with Motorola Solutions’ DIMETRA Connect. 

Motorola Solutions has unveiled new innovations across its safety and security ecosystem at the Critical Communications World 2024 (CCW) in Dubai. Of these innovations, the most notable include the new DIMETRA™ Connect solution and MXP660 TETRA radio that allows frontline responders to automatically switch between land mobile radio (LMR) and broadband networks.

DIMETRA enables automatic use of the best available networks like LTE. Pic courtesy of Motorola Solutions

Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) has long been the backbone and gold standard of mission critical voice communications, providing a proven solution for public safety agencies, critical infrastructure providers, and heavy industries like transportation, oil and gas, utilities, and manufacturing.

With its efficient use of spectral resources, support for group calls and direct mode operation, prioritization of emergency calls, and high level of security through end-to-end encryption, TETRA has become the go-to choice for these sectors. However, demand for data-centric capabilities is growing and the critical communications industry is witnessing a shift towards hybrid solutions that combine the resilience of narrowband technologies like TETRA with the capabilities of broadband networks.  It’s a trend that Motorola Solutions hopes to address through the development of DIMETRA Connect, a solution that bridges TETRA communications with broadband services. 

Optimizing critical communications coverage with broadband

DIMETRA Connect allows frontline responders to automatically switch between the best available networks in their vicinity – be that land mobile radio (LMR), broadband as well as,  WiFi, 4G and 5G networks. By seamlessly roaming between these networks, responders can maintain uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging environments like highly built-up areas, or remote areas with gaps in TETRA radio coverage. 

During a panel discussion on the sidelines of Critical Communications World 2024, Katrin Reitsma, Head of Motorola Solutions’ TETRA product portfolio, described that the switch from LMR to broadband is as being reliable and clear for radio users. “DIMETRA Connect is a solution that extends TETRA coverage by leveraging available broadband networks. It enables users to stay connected even when they are moving beyond the DIMETRA network range. The switch is completely transparent to the user and no user intervention is needed.”

(L-R): Mogens Sandberg, Stuart Longley, Ildefonso De La Cruz Morales, Katrin Reitsma

DIMETRA Connect  allows users to continue communicating using their  preferred features and talkgroups, minimising the need for additional training while maintaining a convenient transition to the enhanced capabilities  DIMETRA Connect provides.

“I can confidently say this is a great step forward into the idea of the hybrid environment. It enables TETRA LMR solutions to leverage the extra connectivity, extra services and extra coverage,” said Ildefonso De La Cruz Morales, Principal Analyst, Omdia. He had added it was encouraging to see commercially available solutions aligning to support the industry’s transition towards a hybrid future, where LMR/TETRA continues to provide critical voice services while broadband enhances coverage while introducing new software capabilities.

“I can confidently say this is a great step forward into the idea of the hybrid environment. It enables TETRA LMR solutions to leverage the extra connectivity, extra services and extra coverage.”

The MPX660 multi-bearer portable TETRA radio

Ildefonso had also shared that besides Europe, other regions around the world including  Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, have quickly adopted  the benefits of TETRA. “They realize that TETRA can really make a positive impact, not only their public safety operations, but also their critical infrastructure networks supporting transportation, utilities and other verticals.” These regions are experiencing the fastest growth and demand, he added.

DIMETRA Connect in action

Mogens Sandberg Brix, Division Officer and Inspector at Greater Copenhagen Fire Department said that the ability to automatically switch from LMR to broadband when firefighters move deep inside buildings or into heavily built-up areas to complete their missions. “Our teams can stay connected as they fight fires or navigate myriad challenging environments, without losing focus on their priority of protecting life and property.”

To complement the launch of DIMETRA Connect, Motorola Solutions introduced the MXP660, a state-of-the-art TETRA radio with a user-centric design.

The MXP660’s ergonomic design prioritizes user-friendliness, with a familiar form factor,, easy-to-use controls, and a dedicated emergency button to maintain reliable operation in even the most challenging environments. 

DIMETRA Connect is an on-premise solution that maintains TETRA features over broadband when users are outside of TETRA coverage. It is expected to ship by mid-2025.