International standard mobile communications now in NZ

New Zealand mobile workforce managers now have access to the very latest in team communications with the launch by Kordia of its new KorKor™ digital two-way radio network – a system that is rapidly replacing the old analogue radio telephones (RTs) overseas.

Kordia™ has adopted the European standard for business critical communications for its new digital two-way radio network. This same network infrastructure is used throughout the world by Emergency Services, Utilities, Local Government and Industrial users requiring fit for purpose, highly reliable and future proof communications between field force staff and central offices.

Rather than juggling one-way RTs (where only one person can talk at a time) with other devices, teams can now communicate more effectively using a single device for a range of services – including everyday, two-way conversation.

The Motorola MT850 is a portable communications tool that incorporates the functionality of a cellphone with two-way radio features and a fleet tracking GPS system designed to optimise job planning and field staff support.

For the first time in an RT network, normal conversations will be possible, with improved and consistent voice quality inside the coverage zone: quality that, unlike analogue, does not degrade over distance. This two-way communication is in addition to the traditional ‘push-to-talk’ RT functionality.

The Motorola MT850 portable is half the size and half the weight of a typical RT. An in-vehicle device, the Motorola MTM800, is also available.

Kordia’s Aaron Olphert says there will be initial launch coverage in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch, with further coverage to be expanded as demand requires. A GPS web-based tracking system, tracKor™, is integrated into the hardware and is available as standard on two of the monthly plans.

Olphert says few voice communications systems also actively track people and vehicles moving around.

“Because the Motorola portable and in-vehicle units are mobile, they go with field or site staff wherever they are. The web-based tracking system displays the user’s location back at the office.

“Being digital means that voice clarity is superior and the group call function keeps everyone instantly in touch. There’s also an emergency button that provides major safety benefits for field staff, instantly opening the distress call to the entire group and alerting central office staff,” says Olphert.

“If you have a team of ten, you’d normally have to dial each one individually to talk to them. The KorKor™ system enables you to press one button and talk to everyone at the same time.

“Combine this with standard cellphone functions such as a contact book and texting to other radios, and you have a really powerful communications unit that is basically a one-stop shop,” says Olphert.

“KorKor™ removes the dilemma of having to decide what’s best for your business. There’s no need to pay three separate monthly fees for different devices, when it’s all available in the one system.”

Olphert says the unit is especially suited to the security industry, is an excellent tradesman’s tool and has major benefits for businesses involved in transport and events.

“Two-way radio was common technology for getting business done before mobile phones came on the scene, and its one-to-many mode of communication still has many applications. KorKor™ now sets a new standard to future-proof communications for mobile workforces.”

The Motorola digital two-way radios have been subjected to a simulation of five years’ rugged use, are water and dust-proof, and can handle extreme temperatures.

Kordia is launching four different monthly plans to cover every customer need - from basic RT services to fully integrated RT, calling and tracking services.