You never know when the next accident or catastrophic event will occur. But do you know whom to call when it happens?
No, it’s not likely the “Ghostbusters”, but the emergency number. The emergency phone numbers are one of the first phone numbers you learn by heart as a child. And you expect that someone will take your call and come to the rescue. The real challenge is making sure the emergency call center is always there for everyone, even if parts of the infrastructure fail. The emergency call center also relies on stable Internet and communication infrastructure to function internally and externally.
Emergency communication
Sør-Øst 110 Interkommunalt Selskap (IKS) is one of Norway’s largest 110 emergency call centres, coordinating responses for approximately 715,000 inhabitants and more than 50 fire stations in South-East Norway. In 2024 alone, they handled close to 66,000 calls and logged around 32,000 incidents.
With an ever-increasing reliance on digital tools and communication solutions, Sør-Øst 110 IKS identified a clear vulnerability: the loss of internet access could directly affect their ability to handle incidents safely and efficiently.
They therefore began looking for emergency communication solutions that do not depend on traditional terrestrial networks. The key goal was to establish multiple independent carriers. They wanted to reduce the risk that a single failure (for example in fibre or mobile networks) would lead to loss of connectivity, and last but not least, ensure that the 110 centre can handle both everyday incidents and major crises even if parts of the infrastructure fail.
– With an ever-increasing dependence on digital solutions, the need for robust and available internet access has also become critical for our emergency preparedness. This led us to look for alternative solutions that are not dependent on the traditional terrestrial network, says Petter Evjen Aamodt, Head of Operations Department of Sør-Øst 110.
The search and rescue for a solution
Sør-Øst 110 IKS then started their search for a solution that could fit their needs. Their criteria were clear.
– It was important for us to have a Norwegian partner who keeps data in the country and with whom we can communicate closely with. In some cases, with large foreign players, you often become just one of many customers, which does not work when you deliver a society critical emergency communication system, comments Petter Evjen Aamodt.
Sør-Øst 110 started their search and came up with a couple of partners that could check off their criteria list. The solution was in reach.
– The collaboration with Space Norway and Emcom has been crucial for us in this process, both in terms of technology and in tailoring the solution to our operational and emergency preparedness needs. It was important for us to have a Norwegian partner who keeps data in the country and with whom we can communicate closely.
A crucial role
At their office, Sør-Øst 110 IKS demonstrated a MultiWAN setup that clearly reflects a strong understanding of emergency preparedness for connectivity. The configuration includes multiple independent communication paths, both satellite-based and terrestrial, in addition to their primary fibre connection.
They have clearly understood the need for redundant, resilient connectivity to support emergency communication. The combined throughput from these alternative connections far exceeds what they have via primary fibre alone.
Interestingly, the building is located in a 5G blind spot in the middle of Tønsberg. Even there, satellite communication plays a crucial role in maintaining their emergency preparedness. Together, these satellite services and terrestrial networks form a resilient emergency preparedness satcom layer that protects Sør-Øst 110 IKS against loss of connectivity in critical situations.
Starlink Mini: High performance and portability
Sør-Øst 110 IKS were particularly impressed with the performance of the Starlink Mini terminal:
- More than 200 Mbps down and 40 Mbps/20 up from an iPad-sized satellite terminal, based on their own tests
- Starlink Mini is perfect for portable solutions due to;
- Compact size
- Simplicity and ease of use
- Long battery life and portability
For first responders and emergency services, portability and long battery life are key for field emergency preparedness.
Smooth installation
Your purchase was made, but did you get what you bought? Sør-Øst 110 was not only happy with the product, even the installation went “swimmingly”, literally.
– The installation day brought sleet, rain and cold wind. Even so, two very skilled installers from Space Norway showed up, and the work was completed in a short time. The equipment was mounted and cables pulled efficiently. The installers were professionally strong, thorough – and not least very pleasant. They were getting the job done without complaints in terrible weather was noticed and greatly appreciated and stands out as one of the clear highlights of the project, says Mikael Olsson, technical manager at Sør-Øst 110.
A lifesaving solution
If parts of the infrastructure fail, it is essential that the public still can manage to get in touch with the emergency call center. Sør-Øst 110 are happy with the communication solution they got from Space Norway.
– The solution gives us the stability and availability we depend on in our emergency preparedness and our emergency communication. The collaboration with Space Norway and Emcom has been decisive for us in this process. We are very satisfied with the solution we have purchased. Our solution consists of several different types of bearers. This includes VSAT, says Mikael Olsson.
Would you recommend our solution to others, and if so – what would you highlight as the most important benefits?
– Close and good communication with Space Norway and Emcom has been crucial in adapting the solution to our needs. As technical manager in Sør-Øst 110 IKS, I recommend Space Norway as a partner. A Norwegian provider of satellite communication offers both security and unique possibilities, says Mikael Olsson.
The products from Space Norway are now in use by Sør-Øst 110. If Sør-Øst 110 have experienced any “ghost calls” are not known. But if they do in the future, maybe – just maybe – they will consider calling the Ghostbusters.
