Narrowband  |  2024-10-08

Dutch Caribbean Islands Benefit from TETRA Upgrade with Enhanced Security Features

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Critical Communication Caribbean (C3) and Rohill successfully completed the upgrade of the C3 TetraNode network to the latest generation of TetraNode core hardware and software.

Early September, teams from Critical Communication Caribbean (C3) and Rohill successfully completed the upgrade of the C3 TetraNode network to the latest generation of TetraNode core hardware and software. The upgrade took place across the six Dutch Caribbean islands, enhancing security and operational capabilities.

The C3 TETRA network, based on Rohill's advanced TetraNode infrastructure, consists of 23 sites and delivers critical communication services to various user groups. These groups include key entities responsible for mission-critical operations, such as emergency services, prisons, customs, and the coastguard. The network is essential in providing secure and reliable communications for these high-risk and high-stakes environments.

The primary driver for this upgrade was to address evolving security concerns. With the latest hardware and operating system now in place, the core components of the TetraNode network have been hardened, ensuring long-term availability of security patches. This critical upgrade allows for the simultaneous use of two encryption algorithms, offering C3 the flexibility to migrate user fleets from less secure algorithms to more advanced options. Additionally, C3 can now provide different encryption algorithms to different fleets, depending on their specific security needs.

The updated TetraNode software also prepares the C3 network for future encryption standards, including TEA 5, 6, and 7, further enhancing its ability to meet evolving security requirements in mission-critical applications.

Bert Schreuders, Managing Director of C3: 

We are proud to have successfully completed this significant upgrade of our network. The enhanced security features and flexibility in encryption will allow us to better serve our diverse user base, ensuring they can rely on us for their mission-critical communication needs. With Rohill’s support and expertise, we are prepared for the future and can continue to offer the highest level of service and security to our customers.