Campus communication at one of New Zealand's most prestigious seats of learning has recently benefited from a TaitNet solution.

The University of Canterbury in Christchurch is one of New Zealand's oldest universities. With over 2000 staff and 11,000 students, effective communication across the campus is essential.

After using Tait Orca portables for many years, the University found that the increased number of users and greater number of calls was becoming hard to manage on their conventional network. In recognizing the flexibility of RF communications, the university decided to upgrade their existing two T800 Conventional channels to a TaitNet MPT 1327 trunked network, together with the addition of a third channel.

The main driver for this was a change in how the university managed their groups and the privacy that group calling allows.Additionally they wanted to be able to make emergency calls and phone calls through the network if necessary.

The TaitNet trunked network has meant an increase in call traffic with better call handling. Group calling in particular has improved: there are now 7 calling groups across the campus, each with its own separate subgroups. Each group only has access to that particular group on their portables, with the exception of security who have access to all groups.

"The TaitNet system provides clear benefits to our users; the lack of waiting time, system reliability and easy to use portables have all meant better communication across the campus" says Ted Beer, UC Communications Manager.

Security has probably seen most of the benefits of the new system. During the daytime, the University employs its own team. At night however a contractor is responsible for campus security. The open protocol TaitNet MPT system is compatible with the contactors' trunked radios, allowing easy transition between the two shifts. Residential assistants responsible for the halls of residence can also communicate in their own group between each other.

Expandability of the system is another advantage. The nearby (2kms away) Christchurch College of Education is also looking to join the network so their security team can communicate with the university's.