The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), Télécommunication Grimard and PowerTrunk selected to deploy the new TETRA radio network for the STM

MONTREAL and JERSEY CITY, NJ, May 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has selected The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), Télécommunication Grimard and PowerTrunk Inc., part of the Sepura Group, to supply and install a new, state of the art TETRA radio and voice recording system for its subway operations across its network. SMi / Grimard will provide the installation and system integration services, while PowerTrunk will supply the TETRA network infrastructure and radio dispatch solution.

The STM's new TETRA network will serve its entire transit network and support all operations-related communications between the control center, train operators and all surface or underground personnel. The technology will also provide the STM's security service and operations personnel with a cutting-edge communications system.

The new network – composed of over 120 TETRA 800 MHz base stations – will ensure underground radio coverage throughout the entirety of the four subway lines, as well as across all 68 of its subway stations. The new technology will also ensure above-ground coverage across the entire territory of the Greater Montreal Area, including other areas where the STM is active, such as sections of the cities of Laval and Longueil.

To properly support all network operations the system will be comprised of over 50 dispatcher stations, a voice recording system and a new control centre with an interface that will be directly integrated to STM's existing centralized command system. Once fully deployed, the STM's network will become the biggest TETRA infrastructure in North America.

The STM subway system is Canada's largest and busiest underground transit system and North America's third busiest, behind New York City and Mexico City's own public transit networks. Montreal's public transport has been active for over 150 years and remains at the cutting edge of technology, in an effort to provide users with fast, reliable and economical transportation services. In order to maintain this goal, the STM relies on a state of the art communications system across its entire network.

"SMi is one of the first companies to recognize the advantages of the TETRA technology as well as one of the first importers of the TETRA technology in North America. Having operated in various markets throughout the world, we have had the opportunity to observe the advantages of this technology and increase our own knowledge of its capabilities. We are proud to have contributed to the recognition of this system's advantages right here in our own market."

Bernard Poulin, President and Founder, SMi.

"We are very proud of our teams' achievements and are pleased that Télécommunication Grimard is collaborating closely with its partners to bring this major project to life. We also greatly appreciate the trust the STM has placed in us and our partners – The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), and PowerTrunk – to successfully implement its new radio communication network".

Jacques Grimard, President & CEO, Grimard

"Having already been selected by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), New Jersey Transit (NJT), New York City MTA, and now by the STM, TETRA has quickly become the communications technology of choice for large transit agencies in Canada and the United States. We are extremely proud to work with the STM via our long-time partner SMi, and look forward to positively contributing to Montreal's subway operations."

Jose Martin, CEO, PowerTrunk

About SMi

Leader since 1972, The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi), is a privately owned integration company, which distinguishes itself for its know-how and multidisciplinary expertise. SMi focuses on the deployment of safe, sustainable and high quality integrated solutions to ensure future generations a better quality of life. Over the years, SMi has integrated engineering, project management, environmental protection and systems integration in order to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to each client's needs. Active in more than 35 countries, SMi is present in public and private, national and international markets.

The telecommunications sector is an important part of SMi's activities.  SMi has proven itself through its unique expertise in securing and communicating different information relating to public services, transport, infrastructure, energy and oil and gas projects.

SMi's strength and uniqueness resides in our ability to create innovative, interactive and efficient solutions by integrating and maximizing a combination of products and services, each one customized to the clients' unique and precise specifications."

About Télécommunications Grimard

For the past 15 years, Télécommunications Grimard has been involved  in large scale  technological projects related to the field of  intelligent transport systems (ITS), control rooms, physical security systems (cameras and access control) systems, structured cabling, wireless network systems and distributed antennas systems (DAS).

Télécommunications Grimard is a division of Électricité Grimard Inc., founded in September 1944.  Grimard Enterprises works as a general contractor, electrical and instrumentation contractor as well as in telecommunications and have manufacturing and automation division.

About PowerTrunk

PowerTrunk Inc. is the subsidiary of Teltronic S.A.U. (part of the Sepura Group) responsible for business development, distribution, and customer support for land mobile radio (LMR) projects in North America. PowerTrunk is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.  With over 40 years' experience designing, manufacturing, implementing, and supporting digital and analogue land mobile radio turnkey projects, the Sepura Group has more than 350 systems installed in more than 50 countries. Its LMR solutions are widely deployed in the public safety, oil and gas, transportation, and utilities sectors. LMR equipment includes conventional and trunked infrastructure systems, mobiles, hand portables, and dispatching consoles for TETRA, DMR, P25, and LTE technologies. 

SOURCE SM Group International (SMI)

SMi and Grimard, Jean-Alexandre D'Etcheverry, 514-843-2369; PowerTrunk, Keith Ammons, 1-201-630-4520, [email protected]