Point-to-point rural telephone system

A novel, low cost, UHF radio product has been introduced into the rural telephone market. It is one of a portfolio of products for rural telephone applications and is intended specifically for low density point-to-point use. The strategy during the design phase was not only to design a low-cost radio, but to allow savings in power costs as well. A further aim was to ensure that rural personnel, with basic training only, could easily maintain the new product in remote areas. Key issues in the development were: reduction in installed system cost, ease of maintenance, power management and lowering of current consumption, alarm and status reporting, high and low power transmitter options, fast installation, low initial capital outlay, and flexibility and adaptability