PRESS RELEASE: FUSION Voice offers an in-vehicle radio that can operate in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) mode from the underground Wi-Fi network and, at the push of a button, operate via the UHF or VHF radio system that may be in place. Developed in partnership with Tait, the platform is a powerful communication device to work on sites with mixed communication systems between the surface and underground. 

FUSION Voice enables access to reliable, dedicated voice communication over Wi-Fi networks from inside a vehicle. Built with the assistance and coordination of Tait and MST engineering teams, MST's communication-over-Wi-Fi capacity was integrated with the Tait UnifyVehicle platform to form one, in-vehicle, push-to talk unit. 

According to MST, the unit offers something that has been missing from the market as more mines and tunnels look to replace leaky feeder with Wi-Fi networks, with FUSION Voice being a VoIP equivalent of a traditional mobile radio. FUSION Voice is designed to be easy to use, easy to install and power up, and has a 6m cable for mounting the control head, housing a loud 3W built-in speaker. The ruggedised form factor is fit for purpose in underground conditions. A Wi-Fi antenna is included and mounted on top of the vehicle to extend coverage. FUSION Voice can operate on any 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, and is specifically optimised for roaming on the MST IMPACT software network, supporting central configuration. The same unit can then be switched to operate on most UHF or VHF radio systems.

Increasing safety via reliable, multi-platform communication, FUSION Voice can be used for push-to-talk operation with MinePhones, providing 32 channels (30 PTT, one Broadcast and one Emergency).

Bruce Magee, general manager for mining, oil and gas at Tait Communications, said: “Tait are proud to be working with MST to provide new solutions for customer’s business challenges. The Tait UnifyVehicle platform provides more connectivity options and edge computing power for customers. MST have used both aspects to deliver FUSION Voice.”