Finland's national network combines TETRA, commercial broadband

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered a mobile core network solution called Tactilon Suite for the Finnish authorities’ nationwide TETRA network VIRVE, operated by the State Security Networks Group.

The solution will complement the secure radio communications of the existing TETRA network, allowing the introduction of additional commercial broadband services in a secure manner. Using the Tactilon Suite, subscribers can be managed in both narrowband and broadband networks, including mobile operator networks.

The new solution has been developed by Airbus Defence and Space together with its partner Athonet. It will help to establish hybrid network services, which combine professional mobile radio (TETRA) with commercial and dedicated broadband (LTE) services.

Based on this Secure MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) approach, public safety organisations like the police, rescue services and the border guard in Finland will gain secure and trusted mobile access to new broadband applications, using for example video and mobile office applications, without compromising the security of their operations.

In particular, the Tactilon Suite provides security and asset management and supports secure integration into mobile operator networks. Public safety customers will therefore benefit from ‘multinetwork availability’: instead of making separate deals with several network operators, the Tactilon Suite will allow the operator to offer its subscribers a one-stop shop for secure broadband capacity, where each device gets the best available connection.