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Sepura brings broadband to the Expo

Sepura’s unique background in TETRA communication devices allowed it to provide a new solution for operators looking to streamline their bus and coach data.

Sepura has (and still does) specialise in two-way TETRA digital radio devices that provide efficient communications for public safety and industries such as mining.

The company exhibitted at the Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney after finding an avenue into the industry through mining purchases in Australia. Although Sepura is now unveiling new-age broadband devices for bus operators, it’s still staying true to its TETRA roots.

“Our heritage is in public safety,” Sepura Senior Business Development Manager Doug Bowden told ABC. “We know there’s a requirement going forward for mission critical devices for public safety, but there’s also a market in public transport for business critical communications devices that are robust, reliable and secure.

“That’s the thinking and evolution that now sees Sepura embark on our new broadband device.”

The new broadband SCU3 terminal combines proven TETRA voice communication capabilities that Sepura is renowned for with Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connectivity that boasts extra operational data – and it’s Android based.

“Broadband is the future when it comes to these devices,” Bowden says. “We’ve now released our broadband SCU3 device, which is ideal for public transport from our perspective.”

Sepura sales engineer Theo Kalkandis says the ability for operators to implement several capabilities and services onto the one Sepura SCU3 device is a major benefit for the industry. This technology eliminates the need for multiple devices, as all apps for a bus can be run on the single broadband device.

“It’s a very important thing for the bus and coach market,” Kalkandis told ABC. “Vehicle diagnostics, passenger and device management, signage and many other services can be done on the one device.

“It’s important for us to cover what no other device can. Because the SCU3 is Andriod based, these apps can all work on the one niche system, making it a leading technology for buses.”

 

Sepura Oceania business development manager Colin Bresnahan says the SCU3 device is valuable for operators when it comes to managing data requirements and bus systems. Whether it be streaming video for security purposes or showing route information, drivers can have data services logged into the one device.

“Instead of trying to manage six or seven SIM cards, Sepura customers only need the one,” Bresnahan told ABC. “It makes it more efficient, reliable and secure for operators.”

Bowden says safety is a core part of the global Sepura business. He says the SCU3 broadband terminal provides security for operators’ data, all in the single device.

As Sepura continues to specialise in its traditional TETRA communications technology for the near future, it will keep an eye on the broadband market and its uses for the bus industry.

“Our focus is continuing our TETRA product, but we know broadband will take over once it can provide business or mission critical voice communications,” Bowden says. “We’re planning and focusing on developing our broadband products to lay a platform for the future market, including public transport operators.”

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