ASTRID announces its 3 partners for the new 3G service for public safety and security services.
Marc De Buyser, CEO ASTRID: “This unique service means that, as with voice communications, ASTRID can bring the various public safety and security services together within...."
In a society in which smartphones and other mobile media have become the norm, mobile data communications have also become necessary tools for the public safety and security services. In spring 2014, ASTRID will therefore launch a broadband data service called Blue Light Mobile, tuned to the needs of the public safety and security services. At the end of a tender procedure ASTRID has chosen to work with three specialist partners: Astrium, Belgacom and Halys.
Why broadband?
The TETRA technology on which the ASTRID radio network is based has grown to become the norm for communications used by public safety services throughout Europe. However, TETRA is less suited for future data applications. ASTRID will therefore provide the Belgian public safety and security sector with the option to utilise the commercial 3G networks via a specific service. ASTRID hereby also takes on the role of Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) by offering services via third-party networks.More and faster applications in the field
As we all know, broadband facilities now bring a great number of innovative applications within reach, such as the ability to send photos or video images from security cameras to mobile equipment. Police officers can be warned, for example, as soon as a stolen vehicle has been recorded by a motorway camera. Database searches will also be much quicker and more efficient. Thanks to ASTRID’s Blue Light Mobile, all these applications can be brought together and information shared more easily between public safety services.With public safety and security services specifically in mind
Using an ASTRID SIM card the various public safety and security services will be able to access databases safely, systematically and quickly, as well as send and exchange documents, e-mails, photos, videos … via all existing 3G (and, in the future, 4G) GSM networks in Belgium. Whilst ASTRID SIM cards have a ‘preferred’ network, they will automatically switch to another 3G network the moment that coverage is lost. ASTRID has insisted that communications from public safety and security services must always be given a high priority on the network. ASTRID not only provides the highest level of availability, but also guarantees security and offers support 24/7 via the ASTRID Service Centre.
Marc De Buyser, CEO ASTRID:
“This unique service means that, as with voice communications, ASTRID can bring the various public safety and security services together within one shared platform, thereby irrefutably improving the exchange of information within and between these disciplines.”
Three partners:
In the process for selecting its partners, ASTRID divided the project into three components. Companies could tender for one, two or all three components. The contract was awarded in April. The following three companies submitted the best offers:
- Halys: with responsibility for the development, supply and management of the ASTRID SIM cards (component 1). www.halys.fr
- Belgacom: with responsibility for the roaming hub; data travel and resources for management and telecom integration with ASTRID (component 2). www.belgacom.be
- Astrium: with responsibility for the supply of equipment for the management and control of all crucial functions of the service management (component 3). www.astrium.eads.net
Source: ASTRID
