From voice to broadband services 

The current solution works well, but it was primarily designed for voice communication. Society and preparedness needs are evolving, and the next-generation Emergency Communications Network must therefore support more services and continue to evolve alongside technological developments.

New technology creates new possibilities

Modern mobile technology now makes it possible to provide a far wider range of services, including real-time sharing of data, location, images and video. This will provide emergency and preparedness users with improved situational awareness, faster access to critical information and more tools to carry out missions safely and efficiently.

Strengthening national preparedness

The new Emergency Communications Network is an important project for national security and preparedness. It will strengthen interoperability across Norway’s total defence system and support emergency and preparedness users in peacetime, crises and war.

Several years of preparation

The work to assess and prepare a new Emergency Communications Network has been ongoing for several years. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has established a strong foundation through extensive analyses and assessments.

New responsibilities

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.

Nkom’s role

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, which is scheduled to be operational from 2031.

Nkom will work closely with DSB, which remains responsible for today’s Emergency Communications Network (“Nødnett”) and serves as the requirements owner for the new solution.