IB Digital has launched a new antenna of the TetraIB network in Sant Mateu, in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany, and thus accelerates the plan of the Balearic Government to triple the number of stations of this critical radio network in Ibiza, from seven to twenty-one.
The action, as reported by the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Innovation, is part of the plan to achieve a territorial coverage of 90% in Ibiza, with a total investment of 13 million euros co-financed by European funds Feder. The new antenna, located in Pla de Sant Mateu, immediately improves communications in Sant Mateu d’Albarca and Pla d’Albarca, two areas of difficult access where private operators have significant signal deficiencies.
“This ignition is not an end point, it is another step of the plan that will take us from seven to 21 stations. We want Ibiza at the level of the rest of the islands,” said the first vice president and councilor of the area, Antoni Costa.
Reinforced coverage in the north of the island
Sant Mateu, considered a strategic point due to its proximity to Es Amunts and areas of difficult access such as Cala Albarca or the cliffs of the northwest, will now have a robust coverage that improves the response in searches, rescues and medical emergencies.
According to the Regional Ministry, this improvement will also be crucial in the prevention and extinction of forest fires, as it allows for better coordination of Ibanat in an environment with a dispersed population and secondary roads.
“Sant Mateu gave us coverage problems: complicated relief and dispersed population. This station stabilizes the signal and facilitates operations to Ibanat, Civil Protection and Local Police”, explained the general director of Emergencies and Interior, Pablo Gárriz.
Advantages in large events and active tourism
TetraIB technology, which enables encrypted communications and prioritized group calls, will be especially useful during large events, where real-time coordination of security and emergency forces is required. In addition, hikers and participants in sporting events will have a more reliable network to handle any eventuality.
The Ministry emphasizes that this reinforcement allows to move towards a more responsible and safe tourism model, a strategic objective of the Government.
Towards a single network for all emergency services
TetraIB is a mission-critical public network, not intended for general consumption, which allows emergency services to communicate instantly even in areas without traditional coverage. The model, managed by IB Digital, avoids the fragmentation of municipal networks and relies on a common, centralized infrastructure.
“Our goal is clear: that municipalities do not have to maintain their own networks. With a common network we gain real coordination and better use of public money”, defended the manager of IB Digital, Miquel Cardona.
The new station is already operational in the municipality of Sant Antoni, and both the Balearic Government and the City Council foresee new installations in 2025 to complete the deployment.
