The Tait map now has pins in the west African countries of Benin, Ghana and Nigeria, as the number of countries where Tait products can be found approaches 100.

The company has recently supplied conventional and trunked radio systems for use by public safety and utility organisations in all three countries, and Regional Manager Gary Holder expects the business to grow.

"We are well represented in Benin and Ghana by Expoma, and by Avsatel in Nigeria, and the Tait reputation for supplying dependable, high performing mobile communications systems is spreading," says Gary.

Fresh from a one month tour of the region, he says Tait's comprehensive MPT 1327 trunked system range is well suited to the needs of local users.

"Our customers there are looking to have greater control of their mobile communications to better manage their staff, and we can offer everything from a cost-effective single-site solution to a massive nationwide network.

"They like the excellent range of call types, including individual, group, PSTN and PABX calls, and the opportunity to create virtual private networks. So a government department can purchase a network and different departments can have completely private call groups.

"The modular nature of our systems is another advantage, because often customers buy small systems and later want to expand the coverage and/or calling capacity."

Gary says west Africa customers are also interested in mobile data applications like the SmartTrac Automatic Vehicle Location system and text messaging.

Tait's range of mobile voice and data options was demonstrated to key west African customers at a recent four day seminar in Cotonou, Benin.

"We took a four-channel, single-site TaitNet regional trunked radio system to demonstrate the functionality, and didn't get to bring it home. One customer was so impressed they bought it on the spot."