MSB explains disturbances on the RAKEL Public Safety Communications Network
As a result of the disturbance, it was difficult for public safety end-users to establish voice communications on the network. It was also not possible to send and receive text and status messages or to use Rakel's positioning services.
Last week, 2 disturbances were reported on the Swedish Rakel TETRA network. The disturbances took place in the area of Västra Götaland and Halland.
In order to inform the end uses on the situation, MSB this week decided to publish a Q&A session. In the Q&A session, MSB (The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency) explains that they have worked together with the operations team and system suppliers to resolve problem. The disruption was caused by an upgrade of the system.
MSB reported that previous upgrades elsewhere in the country have worked well, however during this upgrade, there was a lack of capacity due to the fact that there were too many subscribers simultaneously active on the system.
As a result of the disturbance, it was difficult for public safety end-users to establish voice communications on the network. It was also not possible to send and receive text and status messages and to use Rakel's positioning services.
The disturbances on the TETRA network began the night of the 1 and 2 February at Västra Götaland and parts of the Halland area (in the south of Sweden between Göteborg and Malmö). The problems were resolved on the 2nd of February around 13:00 hrs. Unfortunately all user organizations in the area were affected. Normally there are about 5000-6000 subscribers in the area. At 10 o'clock on February 2, there were about 3000-4000 subscribers affected.
In order to make sure future upgrades will run without any disturbances, MSB decided to increase capacity of the network in the area. MSB stated also that on a regular bases they communicate with enduser organizations on the troubleshooting proces.
TETRA Reliability
There is no doubt that the RAKEL TETRA network would not be reliable. It is a stable and reliable communications system but it is essential to upgrade the system regularly. Users are always informed in advance to prepare for possible disruptions, just like on any other country wide TETRA network that is out there. As a matter of fact, there are always risks involved in maintenance and upgrades of certain networks.
Similar disturbances have been reported in other countries as well and are vendor independent. They often relate to capacity issues.
