Tait has established a tight stronghold in South East Asia as a leading supplier of train radio systems - and this success is set to continue with further opportunities in the pipeline.

Tait South East Asia has completed several rail communications systems throughout the region over the past two to three years, the most recent being for the Sengkang and Punggol LRT (light rail transit) networks in Singapore and the Manila LRT network in the Philippines.

"Tait has fostered strong relationships with system integrators in South East Asia by providing reliable, customised equipment for medium to large and complex rail systems," says Tait South East Asia Regional Manager Lionel Earle.

Systems integrator Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd (STE) contracted TSA to develop the Sengkang, Punggol and Manila Stage 1 and 2 rail communications systems, and all were completed in 2003.

The Metro Manila LRT project involved the building and installation of two TaitNet MPT 1327 trunked voice and data radio networks, in two phases.Tait provided radio communications for all trains, stations and Operations Control Centres.The Tait radio communications system covers almost 30km of Manila rail track.

For the Sengkang and Punggol LRT networks in Singapore, Tait provided two conventional voice and data radio networks covering stations and trains over 20km of track.T800 base stations were used for the networks, and T700 voice and data mobile radios were installed in each driverless train for emergency calling and transfer of train data.

Another rail communications project won by Tait in recent years is the ongoing contract to supply Indonesian Rail with 30-40 base station repeaters annually. Tait distributor PT TRS Indonesia won the contract to expand the network and will eventually replace the entire system with Tait base stations.

Mr Earle says Tait has steadily built strong capabilities in the rail communications sector, since its original contract to supply Taiwan Rail with a Quasi Sync rail communications network about five years ago. This has since been expanded and upgraded.

"The high reliability of the T800 base station has been a key factor to our success in this vertical market, as has our ability to provide a high level of technical support to customers. Tait can now confidently deliver superior, cost-effective rail communications solutions leveraging off our proven track record," he says.

Future sales of train communications systems look promising for TSA - it is now in negotiations with system integrators to supply a rail communications network for Malaysian Railways, Philippines Rail, Thailand Rail and Sudan Rail, and expects further opportunities to arise in Singapore.