Radio communication remains a key component of the health and safety tool-kit for those working in remote and rural areas that have no cell phone coverage.

Forestry operations across New Zealand have traditionally relied on analogue radio networks. These, generally, are owned by the forestry companies and require ongoing maintenance and staff to monitor usage and to assist with communications in the event of an emergency.

Alcom, in partnership with other Tait dealers (Colvins & Communicate), has developed a digital network that offers coverage across the Central North Island and East Coast regions. The technology underpinning digital radio offers customers much more than voice communication. The system can be tailored to give an integrated approach to health and safety and emergency event management.

The Tait Tier III Digital Network’s performance during and post Cyclone Gabrielle was exceptional.  Since then the linking and backup systems have been monitored and improved to meet critical communications standards. The Network is already established across a wide area covering all the major forests in the Central North Island with plans to increase in line with demand.  In the long term, there is potential to have New Zealand-wide coverage by linking with  Nexus, the South Island’s digital network.

Right now, there is an opportunity for forestry in the North Island to embrace this “radio-as-a-service” option as a transition from existing analogue radio to state-of-the-art digital networks in a managed, efficient and cost-effective way. It provides customers with modern critical communications without a huge initial outlay and provides communications tailored to incorporate specific features and functions for enhanced safety, operational effectiveness and emergency management.