TETRA proves its worth

The Isle of Man's vital communications system TETRA has handled its ten millionth call.

The Terrestrial Trunked Radio system was set up in 2004 and is managed by the Communications Division of the Department of Home Affairs. It's used by 23 different organisations across Government, with around 4,500 terminals in operation.

The system is particularly useful to the emergency services and plays an essential role during the Island's motorsport festivals, with all the race controllers, marshals, ambulance teams and helicopters using TETRA to communicate with each other. During TT week the system handles 15,000 calls a day.

The system was also very useful during the recent Commonwealth Youth Games.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson says the Isle of Man is now acknowledged as a global leader in terms of integrated communications.