Nødnett Expands Critical Communications TETRA Network at Sea

Base stations along the entire Norwegian coast have been given increased range. They now provide better coverage for, among other things, lifeboats and helicopters.

We have increased the range of base stations along the coast from 50 kilometers to 83 kilometers by adjusting some of the technical parameters, explains section manager and responsible for the operation of Nødnett, Terje Bergman.

DSB has selected the base stations that are most appropriate to adjust. As a rule, the range of the coverage signals of the terrain is rather limited because of the obstruction of forests, mountains & valleys as well as buildings. The selected base stations along the coast have a clear view over the sea and they will now have a longer range.

Increased range is useful for all emergency response players' boats and helicopters that have Nødnett installed, says Bergman, who explains that it would not have been appropriate to increase the signal strength at all around 2100 base stations in Norway.

We have selected those who have significant clear vision longer than 50 kilometers and where this measure will provide a good gain. The standard range in Nødnett was set at 50 kilometers based on what is wise in terms of topography and frequency management, Bergman explains.

The helicopters use a combination of standard base stations and dedicated base stations, so-called Air-Ground-Air base stations (AGA), which are designed for coverage up to 8000 feet. The AGA base stations have a range of 83 kilometers and combined with the selected base stations along the coast which have now been given a similar range, the Nødnett terminals installed in the helicopters will have an expanded coverage area.