Finland takes next step for mobile broadband

State Security Networks Group Finland (Erillisverkot) has been selected as the operator of the nation’s mission-critical next-generation mobile broadband service.

The Virve 2.0 service is to be based on commercial mobile services, which will be selected by Erillisverkot based on a tendering process.

The Ministry of Finance has launched a development program (MoVi) that will cover the deployment of Virve 2.0 in stages up until 2025.

The MoVi development program will exploit digitalisation, in accordance with the Finnish Government Programme and the Internal Security Strategy.

Another aim of the program is to ensure that the requirements of mission-critical broadband services are met. Current commercial mobile networks do not satisfy these requirements in terms of their functionalities, availability and management.

Erillisverkot was selected as the Virve 2.0 operator through its group member company Suomen Virveverkko Oy, which has provided Virve network services to Finnish PPDR authorities and other critical operators for nearly 20 years.

The transition from the current TETRA-based Virve services to the next-generation broadband services will take place in stages in parallel with technological development and standardisation.

Finland’s mission-critical broadband solution is developed in cooperation with other security network operators in the EU, with the aim of building a harmonious pan-European mobile broadband solution and creating a market for ongoing technological development.

With the Virve 2.0 program, Finland wants to take the lead, influence the standardisation policy of future 3GPP broadband technologies and have an active role in the TCCA (the Critical Communications Association).

“Cooperation and communication between Finnish authorities is exceptionally efficient, as is the ecosystem that supports critical communications. These new information-driven services enable us to expand the cooperation between authorities and use more efficient practices,” said Timo Lehtimäki, CEO of Erillisverkot.

“We are committed to our special duty of guaranteeing mission-critical services under all circumstances,” he added.

“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.”

Image courtesy Erillisverkot.

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