TETRA roll-outs in the USA: successes, challenges, lessons that can be learned around the world

Keith Ammons holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Memphis State University and a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  He has spent over 35 years in the communications-electronics sector and his experience includes project management, communications systems operations and maintenance, communication security, and sales and marketing activities.  He is a former US Air Force communications and computer systems staff officer, and in 1993 he joined TELTRONIC, S.A.U. of Zaragoza, Spain, one of the world leading manufacturers of digital TETRA land mobile radio communications systems.  In 2010, he joined the team of PowerTrunk Inc., Teltronic’s US subsidiary company, and since August 2013 he is PowerTrunk’s Vice President of Market Development.

John Monto, is a Sr. Director of Aviation Voice Services at Collins Aerospace, IMS Division and also serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Tetra Forum (NATF).

At Collins, John is responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining radio communications solutions for the aviation industry. These solutions involve air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, and interoperability of multiple systems including VoIP and RoIP networks, LMR, and trunking. Today Collins owns and operates 4 TETRA systems which serve airline operations at LAX, SFO, JFK, and EWR.

With the goal of developing sustainable solutions for his customers, John continually evaluates new technologies for their applicability to the aviation industry. John and his team are focused on helping airlines and airports improve their operational efficiency by providing communications systems geared toward their specific operational needs.

With over 20 years in the telecommunications industry, John has worked in all facets of the radio business through his positions at Collins Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, ARINC, NOKIA, and Allgon. He holds a Master’s degree in IT from the University of Maryland.

Mr Schwartz is the Director of Radio, Electronic Security, and UAS Systems at NJ TRANSIT, the United States’ third largest transit agency. 

Joining in 2004, he has responsibility for the engineering, operations, and maintenance of NJ TRANSIT's statewide TETRA radio network.

Installed in 2013 and utilized by light rail, bus, and several other organizations - both inside and external, it is the first commercial TETRA system in the U.S. In addition to the statewide TETRA network, Mr. Schwartz has responsibility for Electronic Security Systems which includes, but is not limited to, closed circuit television and access control systems design, implementation, and support. 

Finally, Mr Schwartz is the architect of NJ TRANSIT’s fledgling unmanned aerial systems (UAS) organization that provides a multitude of UAS services to NJ TRANSIT’s various business units such as mapping and infrastructure inspection.

Mr. Schwartz has over 35 years of technical experience in commercial and professional wireless communications.