Cyberabad cops first in S. Asia to get GPS radio

The Cyberabad police is set to become the first force in south and southeast Asia to get a GPS-based Tetra radio system.

The police is using an analogue radio network that jams when an excessive number of users use it. In Tetra, or Terrestrial Trunk Radio System, the channels are multi-pronged. The police frequency cannot be intercepted by terror elements.

The police can create different groups for law and order, crime and traffic. Closed groups can be created to hold conversations that cannot be heard by those outside the loop. The police can talk and listen at the same time like in cellphones.

"Tetra is like GSM. With hand-held compact radio sets, voice calls can be made and SMSes can be sent," said Mr Vinay Ranjan Ray, director of police communications.

The police entered into an agreement with European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), a multi-country consortia, last month for procuring the system. "The system would become operational by March end. It will help the control room know the location and movement of personnel carrying the handsets," Mr Ray said.