Narrowband  |   Broadband  |  2025-11-28

Finland Strengthens Its International Role in Public Safety & Critical Communications

Source: Erillisverkot

Erillisverkot has positioned itself as an active contributor in joint European and Nordic initiatives aimed at harmonizing public safety communication technologies and ensuring cost-efficient, interoperable systems.

Finland’s state-owned critical communications provider, Erillisverkot, is expanding its influence in international public safety communications as European nations accelerate efforts to build interoperable broadband solutions for emergency and security agencies.

For a small nation with unique environmental and operational conditions, cross-border collaboration is essential. Erillisverkot has positioned itself as an active contributor in joint European and Nordic initiatives aimed at harmonizing public safety communication technologies and ensuring cost-efficient, interoperable systems.

According to Jarmo Vinkvist, Director of International Affairs and Public Relations, Finland brings considerable expertise to the international critical communications arena:

“Finland has earned broad respect for its operational models and its collaborative culture among authorities. In addition, the country hosts a remarkably innovative critical communications industry, which strengthens our ability to contribute internationally.”

Four Pillars of Finland’s International Engagement

Finland conducts its international work across four main domains:

  • Authority cooperation and information-exchange forums
  • Participation in multinational development initiatives
  • Mobile technology standardization
  • Engagement in global critical communications associations

While technology plays a key role, Vinkvist emphasizes that much of the work centers on aligning operational practices and strengthening cooperation between public safety agencies across borders.

EUCCS: Europe’s Landmark Public Safety Communications Initiative

One of the most significant programs currently underway is the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), prepared within the Mission Critical Communication Group (MCCG). The project aims to establish a unified broadband communication environment for European security agencies.

EUCCS is designed to ensure seamless roaming for mission-critical users across borders and to guarantee that public safety traffic can be prioritized over commercial networks when necessary. The initiative also seeks to secure full interoperability, enabling agencies to use devices and services from different vendors anywhere in Europe.

Vinkvist notes that while the technical foundation for EU-wide communication is already achievable, the broader challenge lies in aligning operational procedures and building trust among national authorities-a task that varies significantly between countries.

Nordic Cooperation as a Model

Nordic countries have long maintained close collaboration in public safety communications. Their established narrowband interoperability has served as an early blueprint for EUCCS.

This cooperation was further reinforced at the recent Nordic Critical Communication Operator Meeting (NCCOM), held in Espoo, Finland. Participants discussed national broadband projects, deployable network solutions, and updates to Nordic recommendations for rugged mission-critical devices. Progress on the EUCCS initiative was also a central topic.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Erillisverkot will continue its international engagement through a series of major events in 2025, including Critical Communications World (CCW), taking place in London in June. The company is also part of the organizing preparations for the 2026 edition of CCW, reinforcing Finland’s role in shaping the future of secure communications in Europe.

 

Picture: Jarmo Vinkvist - Courtesy of Erillisverkot