RSSState Security Networks Group Finland was selected as the operator for the mobile broadband service used by the country’s public-safety authorities. The company’s task is to ensure smooth communications for authorities.
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State Security Networks Group Finland will deploy the Virve 2.0 broadband service based on commercial mobile services and selected through a tendering process. The Virve 2.0 solution will be implemented in stages through 2025.
The Ministry of Finance launched a development program (MoVi) that will cover the deployment of next-generation broadband services for authorities. The aim is to satisfy mission-critical communication needs that require broadband data transfers.
The MoVi development program will exploit the Finnish Government Program and the Internal Security Strategy. Another aim is to ensure that the requirements for mission-critical broadband services are met; current commercial mobile networks do not satisfy these requirements in terms of their functionalities, availability and management.
State Security Networks Group Finland was selected as the Virve 2.0 operator through its group member company, Suomen Virveverkko, which has provided Virve TETRA narrowband network services to Finnish public protection and disaster response (PPDR) authorities and other critical operators for nearly 20 years. The transition from the TETRA-based Virve services to the next-generation broadband services will take place in stages in parallel with technological development and standardization.
The Finnish mission-critical broadband solution was developed in cooperation with other security network operators in the EU. The aim is to build a harmonious pan-European mobile broadband solution and create a market for ongoing technological development. With the Virve 2.0 program, Finland plans to be a forerunner, influence the standardization policy of future Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) broadband technologies and have an active role in the TCCA, the international critical communications association.
“Cooperation and communications between Finnish authorities is exceptionally efficient, as is the ecosystem that supports critical communications,” said Timo Lehtimäki, CEO of State Security Networks Group Finland. “These new information-driven services enable us to expand the cooperation between authorities and use more efficient practices. We are committed to our special duty of guaranteeing mission-critical services under all circumstances. Virve 2.0 will be built in close cooperation between all the parties. Its key elements are the continuity of mission-critical services and efficient solutions that can also be developed further in the future.”
Finland first announced its hybrid public-safety broadband plans in 2014. Last December, State Security Networks Group Finland, Elisa, Helsinki Police and Nokia tested prioritization of first responder communications on Elisa’s commercial 4G network in a live operational environment in Helsinki.
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