Norway Proposes NOK 200 Million Increase for New Emergency Communications Network in 2027 Budget

Government budget proposal also raises funding for telecommunications security, reinforced electronic communications and regulatory tasks at Nkom.

In its proposed budget for 2027, the Norwegian government has proposed increasing the allocation for work on the country’s new emergency communications network (Nødnett) by NOK 200 million, bringing the total allocation to NOK 324.5 million for the coming year. The budget also includes increased funding to strengthen digital infrastructure and postal services.

The additional funding is intended for continued work on the new emergency network. Among other tasks, the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) will test and develop the solutions in collaboration with emergency and preparedness agencies and mobile operators.

John-Eivind Velure, Director of Nkom, underlined the importance of the funding. He stated:

“Norway is set to get a new emergency network, and we are entirely dependent on increased resources and funding for testing and development if we are to succeed in establishing a future-proof and robust new emergency network.”

Velure also highlighted the government’s focus on security and emergency preparedness.

“It is gratifying that the government is continuing its efforts to strengthen digital security. Security comes at a cost, and it is important that the financial framework aligns with Norway’s ambitions for strengthening our digital security.”

According to Velure, both industry and the authorities must invest even more in safety and security measures going forward, and Nkom looks forward to fruitful cooperation with the industry to strengthen security and continue the work of securing a new emergency network for Norway.

The government further proposes increasing the allocation for telecommunications security and emergency preparedness by NOK 40 million, bringing the total proposed for this area to NOK 451.3 million. Of this increase, NOK 15 million is earmarked for strengthening efforts regarding reinforced electronic communications in Norwegian municipalities. The concept entails, among other things, ensuring that mobile networks within a specific area of a municipality have at least three days of backup power.

“The mobile critical communications network is critical infrastructure. When the power goes out or a crisis strikes, we must be able to rely on it functioning. It is therefore important that the Government continues this initiative so that more municipalities gain access to reinforced electronic communications,” Velure said.

The budget proposal also includes funding for new and expanded tasks for Nkom. NOK 5.2 million is proposed for tasks related to the implementation of the national security plan, an additional NOK 2.6 million for fulfilling Nkom’s responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and an additional NOK 3.9 million for work related to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

Due to a more complex threat landscape and changes in the postal market, there is an increasing need for expertise and oversight in the postal area. An increase of NOK 6.5 million is therefore proposed to strengthen the postal sector.