SRT Marine Technology in the News

13th March 2007 - Bristol Evening Post

Software Firm's £600,000 Coup

A Pair of European deals has opened the door for a real money- making bonanza for Software Radio Technology (SRT).The Midsomer Norton firm develops technology used in Tetra handsets, the communication systems favoured by the UK police.

The latest deals are with Spanish firm Teltronic, and Italian group Selex, and are worth $1.2 million or more (£620,000) over the next 16 months.

SRT does not manufacture the devices but licenses the technology to other firms and also takes a royalty on each unit sold.

Although Spain does not have the Tetra system, Teltronic develops handsets for use in other Spanish- speaking countries.

Selex, owned by Finmeccanica is the only Italian maker of Tetra systems, which are used by the country's police.

Simon Tucker, SRT's Managing Director said, Selex and Teletronic had been Tetra customers of SRT for some time.

These new agreements demonstrated the growth in the Tetra market and the value SRT's evolving digital PMR technology provided to these multinational companies.

"Both customers have exceptional opportunities within Europe and elsewhere and we will continue to work with them to ensure their success and that SRT technology remains at the core of their TETRA equipment," he said.

With a workforce of about 60, the company is working flat out to meet demand for its products including a deal with a Chinese manufacturer to supply Tetra to the Chinese Air Force.

In February, SRT won final approval for its ground-breaking device for identifying and tracking small boats.

The AIS Class B transceiver is billed as the world's first low-cost device to allow authorities to keep track of small commercial and leisure vessels.

As well as the obvious safety advantages, the transceiver is also used in the fight against sea-borne terrorism.