In 2018, the Norwegian Government decided that the new Emergency Communications Network should be realised using commercial mobile networks. It was later decided that the new solution should provide group-based voice, data and video services for emergency and preparedness users.

Nkom is responsible

Responsibility for the new Emergency Communications Network has recently been transferred from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security to the Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance (DFD). DFD is responsible for Norway’s commercial mobile networks and telecommunications regulations.

The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), which operates under DFD, has been given responsibility for the pre-project, implementation and future operation of the new Emergency Communications Network.

Nkom works closely with the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), which remains responsible for today’s Nødnett system and continues to define user needs and minimum requirements together with emergency and preparedness users.

Assessment of an adjusted concept

The Government has asked Nkom to assess an adjusted solution, referred to as Concept S. One of the key changes is that all three mobile networks will be included in the solution on equal terms. This will strengthen resilience and diversity while also supporting continued competition in the mobile market.

During 2026, Nkom will complete the pre-project phase and prepare the central steering document (SSD) for the new Emergency Communications Network. The completed pre-project will then undergo external quality assurance (KS2).

Further development of the solution will be based on the best available and most up-to-date technologies with sufficient security. At present, this includes 5G technology and network slicing.

The objective is to have the new Emergency Communications Network ready for migration of today’s emergency and preparedness users from the end of 2029. Migration is expected to take approximately two years, with the objective that all users will be migrated to the new solution by the end of 2031.

Test and Development activities

Testing and development activities are a central part of the project and are intended to reduce risk and increase technological maturity before nationwide deployment.

Nkom is responsible for assessing and testing different technical solutions for the new Emergency Communications Network, including mission-critical services and user equipment.

Emergency and preparedness users are actively involved throughout the testing process to ensure that user needs are addressed under real operational conditions.

Nkom has established strategic cooperation with Lyse Tele, Telenor and Telia for testing and development activities related to the new Emergency Communications Network.

Strengthening interoperability

As project owner, Nkom has end-to-end responsibility for fundamental emergency communication services and for strengthening interoperability across sectors and national borders. This will contribute to strengthening Norway’s total defence system.