What is a TETRA system

TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is an European standard for a trunked radio system, is a professional mobile radio and two-way transceiver specification. TETRA is an European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard, first version published 1995.

TETRA radio communication networks have many advantages over the first, analogue generation of wireless communications. TETRA networks are designed not only for voice, but also for narrowband data, and group communication functionality is built into the core system. They are safe from eavesdropping and Direct Mode Operation (DMO) makes it possible for devices to communicate between devices (radios) without a network.

TETRA was specifically designed for use by government agencies, emergency services, (police forces, fire departments, ambulance) for public safety networks, rail transport staff for train radios, transport services and the military. TETRA is the European version of trunked radio.