Radio Trunking Switched On In Mumbai

Mumbaites are being introduced to public mobile radio trunking', a new concept in mobile communication, with two companies, Smartmobile and Omnitalk, ready to provide radio trunking services in the city.

Smartmobile radio trunking service will be launched in Mumbai this month while Omnitalk has already one specialised service, enabling people to get a Cool-Cab upon dialling a number.

Smartmobile has been launched by Quickcalls, a tie up between L N J Bhilwara and Motorola. This service has already been launched in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.

Omnitalk has been introduced by Syntel Telecom of Lalbhai group, with active participation of the Bombay Taximen's Union and the government of Maharashtra. Syntel has a technology partner EF Johnson.

Cool-Cabs are equipped with radio trunking services - a two way wireless communication system. An intending passenger just dials a number (in Mumbai the numbers are 2632744/45) which is received in a control room. The control room, in turn, flashes these messages to Cool-Cabs in the neighbourhood, and the one closest responds. Omnitalk provides this service from 9 am to 8 pm.

Radio trunking is a communication system that uses radio frequencies to communicate between two points, within the coverage area of the operator. This system helps two-way communications with a press of a button without having to dial numbers. This system can be used for a private call, group call and broadcast call.

Radio trunking can be used by persons who need to stay constantly in touch with their offices, situations where immediate response to an emergency is needed and organisations where majority of the communication needs are intra-company.

Majority of the industries using this mode of communication are airlines, transport, security agencies, property dealers, large building sites and event management companies.