Case Study - January 2021
Square Kilometer Array Africa
Altron Nexus designed and now operates a digital trunked radio system around the SKA telescope, delivering reliable communications to support scientific operations and local community connectivity for 15 years.
Client
National Research Foundation
(NRF) – Square Kilometre Array South Africa (SKA SA)
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
Industry
Public Safety
Project Summary
Supply and deliver managed services for the DMR trunk radio communication network.
- High site base station equipment
- Backhaul equipment and link the sites to the MSO
- NNOC
- Dispatcher equipment
- Management solution
- Maintain and operate the DMR network
- Marketing and sales of the radio network
- The system consists of four sites and approximately 600 handheld, mobile and desktop radios
Project Duration & Value
This is a 15-year contract, valued at ZAR 15 Million.
Approach
- Hytera equipment will be supplied.
- Managed operations will be handled for 15 years on behalf of SKA.
Key Challenges
- Design, Construction and
Implementation of a Digital Mobile
Radio (DMR) System in around the radio
telescope. - ANS will operate and maintain the
system for 15 years on behalf of SKA SA. - Supply communication to the
underserved communities around the
radio telescope.
Results
- End to end Network Design
- Site Detailed Design
- System Integration (NNOC and MSO)
- Optimization for the entire network
- Test, Commission and Hand Over
Contactable References
Spectrum and Telecommunications Manager
Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
Tel: 011 442 2434 or Mobile: 082 565 2071