Sweden Strenghtens National Critical Network with 5G Technology from Ericsson

Defense News ,Sweden :- The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has recently secured a cutting-edge 5G core network from Ericsson to advance the development of Rakel G2, Sweden's critical communications network catering to public safety, emergency services, and national defense.

This acquisition aims to empower police, fire brigades, emergency medical services, and military organizations by fostering more efficient collaboration through secure and swift sharing of voice, data, images, and video. The upgraded Rakel G2 system will provide enhanced situational awareness, enabling first responders to navigate crises more effectively.

A resilient, secure, and accessible communications network is paramount for first responders and their organizations, aiding in crisis prevention, preparation, and resource optimization during emergencies. The ability to communicate securely and maintain high-quality interactions becomes particularly crucial in complex emergency situations involving multiple stakeholder agencies, potentially influencing life-saving outcomes.

Ronny Harpe, Director of Rakel and Command Operating Systems at MSB, emphasizes the significance of a robust communications system for national defense cooperation. He states, "An investment in such a system not only strengthens Sweden’s ability to collaborate and lead mission-critical operations on an everyday basis but also during potential large-scale crises."

The newly acquired dual-mode 5G Core network from Ericsson will play a pivotal role in shaping Sweden's next-generation Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) mission-critical mobile network, designated Rakel G2. Jenny Lindqvist, Head of Market Area Europe & Latin America at Ericsson, underscores the importance of Ericsson's 5G core technology in supporting MSB's mission to fortify Sweden's national critical network.

Ericsson's 5G core network will initially complement MSB's existing national radio communications system, Rakel, which operates on the Tetra standard. Rakel is currently utilized by more than 650 organizations, encompassing authorities such as police, customs, military defense, coast guard, rescue services, and healthcare providers.

The implementation of this advanced core network is set to commence in 2024, marking a significant step forward in bolstering Sweden's capabilities in public safety and national defense.