Dutch Emergency and Critical Communications Network Delegation Visits DSB Norway

The Netherlands aims to start the actual procurement process of the C2000 replacement network by the end of 2025, provided that the necessary legal clarifications, financing and political decisions are in place.

How do we ensure robust and secure communication solutions that meet users' needs for new services? This was the main topic when DSB met with colleagues from the Netherlands to share experiences and insights about new emergency networks.

In preparing for a new emergency network in Norway, the team of DSB is gaining a lot of experience. Last week, the Dutch emergency network program delegation visited DSB  and talked about both the value of user involvement and the need for regulation.

The meeting brought together representatives from the countries' ministries of justice and project organizations. The Netherlands is in the process of replacing its current C2000 TETRA communications platform through the national program named: VMX.

During the meeting the Dutch said that the process towards a new emergency network is not only about technology, but also about changes in organizations, management and culture. Users such as emergency services, municipalities and the Armed Forces are closely involved in the development of such system and a need has been identified for a network that handles more real-time data, and has better coverage and security than the current solution.

Another key issue for the Netherlands is the need for legislative changes to be able to carry out purchases in accordance with competition law. With three mobile operators, good solutions are needed that meet the needs of users, without violating the regulations.

The Netherlands aims to start the actual procurement process by the end of 2025, provided that the necessary legal clarifications, financing and political decisions are in place. The program has established a roadmap with six parallel tracks, including functionality, financing, governance and international cooperation.

“The Dutch are very interested in our work to develop a common vision, roadmap and scenarios. We learn from each other and it is valuable to discuss how we can ensure the ability to interact across borders and have a common direction for everyone in the project,”

says Eline Palm Paxal, Director of Emergency and Preparedness Communication at DSB.

The Netherlands and Norway are both involved in the European project “EU Critical Communication System” (EUCCS), which will prepare the technology and procedures for interconnection and cooperation across countries.

The ambition to facilitate cross-border communication throughout the EU is high, but it will give international preparedness a boost. Both the Netherlands and Norway are keen to get this in place using standardized solutions in the new emergency networks, continued Eline Palm Paxal

The meeting also pointed out the importance of continued cooperation on Cell broadcast solutions.

We currently have good cooperation here between NL-alert and DSB as the system owner for Emergency Alert. We want to maintain this cooperation, concluded Eline Palm Paxal.