Nødnett

Nødnett is Norway’s national, government-operated critical communications network designed to enable secure and reliable radio communications for emergency and public safety services. It provides a shared platform for police, fire, health services, and other civil protection agencies, allowing them to communicate during routine operations and crises alike.

The system is intended to ensure interoperable communications across agencies and geographic regions, including in situations where commercial networks may be congested or compromised. Nødnett supports voice services with group and emergency calls, prioritized traffic, and location-based features, and it increasingly offers data capabilities to support incident management, information sharing, and field administration.

Technically, Nødnett is built on digital trunked radio technology (TETRA) with a core network, extensive base stations, and various gateways and interfaces that connect field units to command centers. The network is designed to be highly resilient, with redundant sites and robust security measures, including encryption and controlled access to sensitive channels. Data transmission and IP-based services have been integrated to enhance situational awareness and coordination on the ground.

Governance and rollout are overseen by the Norwegian government, with the Directorate for Civil Protection (Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap, DSB) responsible for strategic direction and oversight. The network replaces older analog systems, aiming to improve emergency response times and coordination nationwide.

Limitations and ongoing development include expanding data services, improving coverage in remote areas, and ensuring continued interoperability with other national and European public safety networks. Nødnett is a cornerstone of Norway’s preparedness and resilience framework for public safety operations.