At this year’s Critical Communications World in Brussels, Piciorgros GmbH, a Cologne-based innovator in mission-critical communications, unveiled StarBridge, a pioneering solution that marks a global first in bridging TETRA Direct Mode Operation (DMO) groups with trunked TETRA networks (TMO) via satellite connectivity.

StarBridge is designed to overcome one of the most significant challenges in professional mobile radio (PMR): enabling seamless communication between isolated user groups operating outside the coverage area of primary TETRA infrastructure—such as those in maritime, remote, or disaster-stricken environments.

Leveraging the high-throughput capabilities of the Starlink satellite constellation, StarBridge delivers secure, uninterrupted, and full-quality TETRA voice communications, maintaining digital integrity by preserving ACELP voice data without conversion to analog or alternative codecs.

Key Benefits of StarBridge:

• Extended Coverage: StarBridge extends the reach of TETRA networks to areas previously inaccessible or compromised, ensuring continued communication in remote, offshore, or disaster-affected regions.

• Rapid Deployment: Designed for portability and fast setup, the system is ideally suited for emergency responders, defense units, and humanitarian operations needing instant, reliable comms on-site.

• Resilient Connectivity: By combining the proven security of TETRA with Starlink’s resilient satellite infrastructure, StarBridge ensures mission-critical communications remain uninterrupted, even under extreme conditions.

• Cost-Effective Implementation: Avoids the high cost and complexity of extending terrestrial TETRA infrastructure. StarBridge provides a scalable alternative without sacrificing quality or reliability.

• Scalability and Future-Readiness: As Starlink’s global constellation continues to expand, StarBridge will benefit from increased bandwidth and lower latency, enhancing future capabilities for all TETRA users.

With StarBridge, Piciorgros is opening a new chapter in critical communications. This solution provides emergency services, defense forces, and industrial operators with the tools they need to maintain robust and secure communications in places where it was previously impossible. It’s a game-changer for public safety and operational resilience.

Already in active deployment, StarBridge represents a transformative leap forward in ensuring uninterrupted TETRA communication—anytime, anywhere.