Project: Upgrade to Finnish network

The Finnish department for rescue services in Länsi-Uusimaa has selected Sepura handheld, two-way radios to upgrade its communications network.

The upgrade will allow the department to fit seamlessly into VIRVE, the country’s national TETRA network that serves a variety of groups including state and municipal security authorities such as rescue, police, social welfare and health authorities and the defence forces.

The network is a full-coverage digital radio system that enhances collaboration and communications between the various authorities involved. Although the network functions as an internal system for each authority, its features allow it to improve readiness for communication with each other if and when required.

The most important benefits offered by VIRVE include speed, multi-user capability and the security provided by encryption. High serviceability requirements, both in daily operating conditions and in exceptional circumstances, have been taken into account in the design and construction of the network.

The Department for Rescue Services in Länsi-Uusimaa started using VIRVE in 2009, when the department was upgrading its previous communications equipment for smoke-diving and data transmission. After a lengthy procurement process which started in 2007, it selected Sepura’s handheld mobile radios and integrated them into a variety of systems.

Sepura’s radios were incorporated into the fire station’s alarm system and installed in vehicles and command rescue units, while the portables were supplied to the units attending the fire.

TETRA radios are now used for regular fire and rescue operations; from voice communications to fleet mapping and short data messaging. They have also been integrated into the public warning system and manage the public announcements through the TETRA network.

The portable radios have also been installed in volunteer fire brigade tankers and are connected to a status terminal and navigator to pinpoint incident locations for the Emergency Response Centre. The department also uses the company’s terminals for all training and development purposes.

In addition, the department uses Sepura radios for resources management and mobilisation via the professional fire station alarm system and as a gateway for paging the volunteer fire brigade. Furthermore, gateway radios have extended the network capabilities into underground and woodland areas, which is important as forests cover more than 80% of Finland, making it the largest forested area in Europe.

Kimmo Markkanen, Director of Risk Management for Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Services, said:

“We were particularly impressed with the data and gateway functionalities of the vehicle, and fixed terminals are now installed in the fire stations and used for public warnings. Our smoke-divers, in particular, chose the radios for their size and the wide choice of DMO functions.”

Tom Ericsson, Sales Manager from Insalko, Sepura’s longstanding channel partner in Finland, says:

“We have been working with the Department for Rescue Services of Länsi-Uusimaa for some years and have become very familiar with their specific requirements for integrated communications. Already proven in operational use by public safety operatives worldwide, these TETRA radios are undoubtedly the most suitable for Länsi-Uusimaa thanks to their versatility and durability.”

The Department for Rescue Services in Länsi-Uusimaa supplies the region with firefighting, fire prevention, rescue and civil defence services. It also provides emergency care and ambulance service to the municipalities of Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen.

The region of Länsi-Uusimaa covers an area of over 4500 km² consisting of 12 municipalities with a population of 420,000, including the municipality of Espoo, the second-largest city in Finland, west of Helsinki.