Government telecommunications engineers in the Gulf state of Qatar are receiving training in TETRA systems at an expanded TETRA Academy in Doha, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Located in the brand new Telecom Department complex of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the academy is run jointly by Cassidian and the MoI under the aegis of the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani.

“We are delighted to open our new Telecom Department facility, accommodating the expanded TETRA
Academy”, commented Brigadier Eng. Ali al-Henzab, director of the department.

“The outstanding results achieved so far in enabling our engineering teams to self-sufficiently master the challenges associated with existing TETRA network operations have motivated us to invest in improving the learning environment still further.”

Besides training the MoI’s own engineers, the academy also provides classes for other customers in the region who operate TETRA networks supplied by Cassidian.

Cassidian delivered the TETRA equipment which was needed to set up the academy, and trainers from Cassidian have transferred technical know-how to the MoI teams.

Franz Peraus, head of Cassidian Middle East, said: “This first TETRA Academy in the Middle East has proven its immense value to the MoI Telecom Department right from its inception in Summer 2009. With 70 students being trained in various disciplines, this is an essential step in building both theoretical and practical know-how locally for operating the Qatar TETRA network.

“Catering for increasing regional demand from outside Qatar, the expanded TETRA Academy inaugurated at the brand-new MoI Competence Centre facility offers a greatly enhanced learning experience that we are very excited about."