Dutch Public Safety Communications Network Migrates to New TETRA System

During the migration, technicians of Spie (a company that offers multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications) were present at the about 600 set-up points in order to make the switch possible.

Last night, the migration of the Dutch emergency communications network (C2000) took place. The migration started around 11 p.m. The old TETRA network was switched off within half an hour. The new Hytera TETRA network was started up between midnight and 1 am. The migration had been postponed a number of times. The main problem was the connection with the control rooms.

During the migration, technicians of Spie (a company that offers multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications) were present at the about 600 set-up points in order to make the switch possible. in accordance with the schedule. and as a result of the switchover, portable and mobile radios were out of reach for a few hours Emergency services have therefore done their work through alternative procedures and means of communication, such as WhatsApp, the mobile phone and the use of the mission critical LTE network from PrioCom. In this way the work of the emergency services could continue and the inhabitants did not notice anything about the migration. The 112 emergency number also remained accessible.

Immediately after the migration there was national coverage again, however now on a renewed C2000 communication network.

The Ministry of Justice and Security commented: “Last night the migration from the current to the new communication network C2000 was successful. The network has been renewed in order to continue to be able to properly facilitate good mobile communication between emergency services and to guarantee their safety. The migration has been carefully prepared in recent months under the direction of the Ministry, by the police, ambulance care, fire brigade and users of the Ministry of Defense."

Rescuers were able to continue to use their existing radios and mobile radios. Just like the old network, the new network is based on the international TETRA standard. As with any new system, users and administrators have to get used to it in the first period. The functioning of the renewed voice network will therefore be closely monitored in the coming period. And extra support is offered to resolve any start-up problems.

Minister Ferd Grapperhaus, Ministry of Justice and Security: "As far as is currently known, no incidents related to the migration have occurred. The functioning of the renewed voice network will be closely monitored in the coming period. Preparations for the next step of the renewal (the migration of the radio control system) are also ongoing.”

Over 80,000 emergency service providers use C2000 to communicate with the control room and each other 24/7. In addition to their day-to-day activities, they use the secure system during major incidents and disasters.