Public mobile data two way data communications Used by 50,000 users, particularly for dispatch, service engineering, telemetry, product and vehicle tracking. Network suppliers include BT Cellnet, Cognito, Ram Mobile Data, Securicor Datatrak, Tracker Network and Vodafone Value Added and Data Services, with equipment available from Maxon, Philips, Siemens and Tate. The monthly charge for this type of service is dependent on the number of units used and the volume of traffic, or on fixed tariffs ranging between 17.50- 300 per month, plus equipment costs. In 1999 there were 300,000 PMR users, including utility companies, the AA and RAC, the emergency services and the police, as well as other large firms. A PMR service is provided by a company for the exclusive use of its own staff, although system management can be outsourced.
Coverage is dependent on the terms of the service provider's licence.
PMR system equipment is available from Maxon, Philips, Siemens, Simoco and Tate. The cost of an annual licence is dependent on where the service is used, the number of mobiles connected and base stations used, and congestion in the area of operation. There are also equipment and maintenance costs, but no call charges.