Sepura announces further detail on the contract to supply SCL3 broadband hand-portable device to Department for Health and Social Care, via the Ambulance Radio Programme

Sepura recently announced that it has been awarded the contract to supply the Department of Health and Social Care via the NHS Ambulance Radio Programme, its next generation of hand-portable mission critical communications devices for frontline ambulance staff across England. The contract will enable 11 English NHS Ambulance Trusts to benefit from the very latest broadband technology which addresses the need for optimum performance across the testing environments and working practices of ambulance staff including front line clinicians.

This agreement includes the delivery of over 16,500 new SCL3 broadband hand-portable devices together with a full eco-system of accessories and a full Mobile Device Management (MDM) service which provides over-the-air device management and software provisioning for both LTE and TETRA services.

Created with mission-critical users in mind, the SCL3 device has the flexibility to be deployed as LTE only or as hybrid TETRA and 4G/5G, providing a powerful device to enable the migration to mission-critical broadband communication.

Supporting the best of both worlds, the SCL3 is the link to future Mission Critical Communications (MCX) utilising its optional TETRA module to provide a migration path from existing TETRA communications to MCX services. In the field for NHS Ambulance Trusts, the SCL3 will maintain communications on the existing Airwave TETRA network as well as encompass the benefits of broadband data and a migration path to ESN.

The physical characteristics of the device support frontline operation in all environments, which include wet conditions, shifting temperatures and humidity.  A long lifecycle, with continuing support for device hardware and software are also an essential part of the SCL3 value proposition.

Duncan Bray, Director, NHS Ambulance Radio Programme comments: “ARP have selected Sepura for this significant contract because they displayed a strong understanding of the needs of the Ambulance users and a flexible user design backed up with a pedigree in producing robust mission critical devices.”

Steve Barber, Chief Executive Officer, Sepura comments, “Sepura are proud to continue to support the NHS Ambulance Radio Programme with the best products in the market, yet again demonstrating our market leadership in the supply of critical communications devices and solutions worldwide.”