Users of emergency and preparedness communication require a future-oriented solution for communication and information sharing that is robust, secure, and offers strong coverage and capacity.
The chosen concept involves leveraging the coverage of commercial mobile networks while the state owns and manages the service platform that enables mission-critical services with priority access. Priority ensures that mission-critical services take precedence during incidents where mobile networks are overloaded.
A new emergency communication network based on commercial mobile technology (4G/5G and future generations) allows emergency and preparedness agencies to benefit from innovations in the mobile market. The combination of state ownership and commercial mobile operator services leverages the strengths of both sectors.
The new emergency communication network will rely on standardized interfaces between the core network and mission-critical services. The state will use various measures, including ownership, security legislation, regulation, supervision, and agreements, to ensure a sufficient level of national control and proper security for the new emergency communication network.
Maintaining good coverage
It has been decided that coverage for the new emergency communication network will be provided by commercial mobile operators. Overall, mobile coverage in Norway is excellent, with all mobile networks covering populated areas and main travel routes. Mobile networks are continuously improving and often provide better indoor coverage than the current Nødnett, while Nødnett currently has better coverage in sparsely populated areas, such as mountains and national parks.
In developing the new emergency communication network, efforts are being made to utilize the combined coverage of mobile networks through national roaming. National roaming allows a user subscribed to one mobile operator to use other operators' radio networks when their own provider lacks coverage, whether due to network outages or insufficient coverage.
Additionally, possibilities for establishing a radio network based on dedicated frequencies for low-flying aircraft are being explored.
Portable solutions
The new emergency communication network will include portable solutions tailored to different needs, user groups, and geographic areas. Innovation in this field is advancing rapidly, with solutions ranging from small portable systems that fit in a backpack to larger systems designed for long-term use.
There is also increasing use of drone-based solutions, which can provide coverage in areas where the network is down or where no permanent coverage exists. The use of low-orbit satellite systems is also being considered for the new emergency communication network.
DSB aims to monitor, test, and implement new portable solutions as they become available.
Enhancements for coverage and resilience
To strengthen coverage in critical areas, DSB is evaluating ways to improve network access where emergency responders need it most. One possible approach is utilizing existing Nødnett infrastructure in locations where no mobile operator currently provides coverage, such as national parks where building new infrastructure is challenging.
Regarding backup power, current Nødnett sites have better backup power capacity than commercial mobile networks. Cost-benefit analyses are being conducted to assess upgrades to backup power and transmission at selected base stations, including potential battery-saving measures.
Mission-critical services: Voice, data, and video in Groups
A state-managed solution for mission-critical communication will be established, providing a secure platform for mission-critical services. Mission-critical services are essential for emergency and preparedness agencies to fulfill their responsibility to protect lives, health, and property.
This includes mission-critical services such as group communication, a feature currently not widely available from Norwegian mobile operators. In addition to voice, users will also be able to send data and video in groups.
To access these services, users will need an application installed on their mobile communication devices. By integrating secure group-based data and video sharing into the emergency network, users will benefit from enhanced security and priority access compared to using separate solutions on other platforms. These services will be developed in accordance with international standards (3GPP).
Furthermore, the state will manage emergency agencies’ subscriptions and customer relationships, as is currently done with Nødnett.
New mobile devices
Transitioning to the new emergency communication network will require replacing TETRA terminals with mobile phones and other devices suited to different communication needs. This is a large-scale effort, as all vehicles, boats, and helicopters currently using Nødnett will need new communication equipment.
User organizations are responsible for their own mobile devices, including phones, terminals, and tablets, and will finance their own equipment. DSB will recommend centralized, parallel framework agreements for all users of the new emergency network.
Technical requirements will be based on existing and ongoing standardization work.
Requirements for handheld devices
Operators of critical communication services in the Nordic region have developed common design and feature requirements for mobile and rugged terminals to be used in the next-generation communication systems, including the new emergency communication network in Norway. Country-specific requirements will be published through national procurement processes and may vary depending on product maturity and market availability.
The document focuses on rugged handheld devices for use in harsh conditions, with additional requirements for other types of devices to be published later.
Read the document PPDR Rugged Handheld Device for heavy use.
Control rooms
Control rooms currently using ICCS (Integrated Command and Control Systems) will transition to a new communication solution as part of the ongoing procurements by the emergency services. The new ICCS will prepare operations centers for integration with the new emergency communication network. Further adjustments will be needed as the transition progresses.
Enabling future development
The chosen concept ensures flexibility for further development of solutions and services based on the needs of emergency and preparedness agencies. Users play a key role in defining the services they require, and these must be integrated into the new emergency communication network.