Could TETRA equipment inadvertently trigger bombs when used in anti-terrorism operations?
TETRA equipment offers a number of features such as encryption, setting up of talk groups and direct mode operation. These features have substantial operational benefits in emergency situations, from anti-terrorist operations to major road traffic accidents. They can facilitate rapid and effective working within and between emergency services. This is invaluable in an emergency situation, such as was experienced in London on 7/7 (7 July 2005) or earlier in Madrid. The emergency services all have robust operational procedures and these cover the use of TETRA equipment if an explosive device is suspected or known of. Emergency services workers are all trained in the correct and safe use of the equipment and TETRA systems all offer a transmit-inhibit facility that can be activated by the user, to prevent the radio transmitting a signal at all. TETRA equipment is no more likely to trigger detonation of a suspected bomb or explosive device than any other radio handset or any other piece of
