MSB and Airbus to migrate TETRA Swedish communications network to broadband

Ronny Harpe, Head of Mission-Critical Communication Services at MSB (left), and Olivier Koczan, Head of Airbus Public Safety and Security, during the signing ceremony at Airbus offices in Elancourt, France

Airbus Public Safety and Security and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) have signed a landmark 7-year contract, renewable annually for the next three years, covering Sweden’s national Rakel network transition from TETRA to 3GPP standard 5G-broadband including mission-critical (MCX)system equipment and technical support.

For over two decades, the TETRA network has been the backbone of Sweden’s public safety communications. However, increasing demands for higher bandwidth, support for video, real-time data, and improved interoperability call for new solutions. The agreement enables a controlled, step-by-step migration from today’s TETRA-based system Rakel to the Swedish Emergency Network (SWEN) – the next-generation digital network for mission-critical services based on 4G/5G. The future network will ultimately improve collaboration capabilities, allowing end users to coordinate and carry out their missions more efficiently.

“The agreement provides us with a reliable solution: parallel operations, clear deliverables and service level agreements (SLAs), as well as a development of SWEN driven by users’ needs. We will switch systems when our users are ready – not the other way around,” said Ronny Harpe, Head of Mission-Critical Communication Services at MSB.

By implementing broadband communication in accordance with the 3GPP standard – the global framework for secure and reliable mobile communications – entirely new opportunities for collaboration and operational efficiency are being unlocked for critical public services such as the police, fire and rescue services, and emergency medical services. The overall goal of the agreement is to facilitate MSB transition of the existing Rakel user base and services from TETRA to a 3GPP broadband service ecosystem. To achieve this, the “Migration Solution” will, through incremental steps and over time, provide seamless interworking of services and functionality between the existing Rakel TETRA services and 3GPP MCX in three progressive steps. 

“We are proud to be trusted again by MSB, less than a year after signing a frame contract for the operational continuity of the Rakel TETRA network. We are committed to continue providing solutions and services to narrowband customers while supporting a smooth transition to broadband”, added Robert Westin, Head of Sweden at Airbus Public Safety and Security.

The Migration Solution will be maintained throughout the agreement period, regardless of its underlying technical architecture and is a precursor to the global transition of TETRA networks to broadband, aligning with a global roadmap towards 3GPP standards across critical communications.

The successful delivery of the French National Radio Network (RRF) project, now in the hands of the end users, has paved the way for the Rakel migration, demonstrating Airbus Public Safety and Securitys expertise and leadership in MCX solutions. The Migration Solution developed for Rakel will serve as another blueprint for TETRA networks worldwide and continue to strengthen Airbus's leading position in supporting the digital transformation of large networks.

Press contact:
Laurence Duhamel
laurence.duhamel@airbus.com 
+33 (0)6 85 09 83 83

Sales contact:
Robert Westin
robert.westin@airbus.com  
+46 709 89 27 20