MTS has implemented a pilot project for the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug emergency service, Yamalspas, deploying a dedicated digital radio communication system. The technology aims to reduce search and rescue operation times in Arctic conditions from several days to a few hours.
The system was deployed in the Ingilor nature park, a remote area featuring mountainous terrain and tundra. The technical infrastructure consists of satellite-based wearable equipment and DMR digital radios, which maintain connectivity in locations where standard cellular networks are unavailable.
The solution includes mobile repeaters to expand coverage during large-scale operations. It automatically transmits the geolocation of rescue teams and travelers, records communications in real time, and maintains movement logs. The system also supports Wi-Fi network deployment for messaging.
Data transmission occurs via a dedicated channel, reaching speeds of 15 Mbps in hard-to-reach areas. The equipment features noise-canceling technology to ensure high-quality audio for distress signals, allowing dispatchers to coordinate additional support teams effectively.
Vladimir Drozdov, Director of MTS in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, stated that the company previously expanded LTE coverage at the start of the polar route. The new digital solution is designed to assist rescue efforts during low visibility and extreme cold.