The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has signed a seven-year system maintenance contract with Cassidian for the Rakel nationwide radio communications network. The contract includes 3rd line support, a hardware repair service and the supply of TETRA system equipment and software, and will be effective from April 2015.

The Rakel network is one of the largest TETRA networks in the world. It consists of almost 1 800 base stations and 22 switches covering almost all of the Swedish population. Last month the network handled 3.3 million group and individual calls as well as 166 million Short Data Services (SDS), with an average availability of 99.97 per cent.

The network serves all main security forces in Sweden, totalling more than 300 organizations such as the police, coastguard, customs, rescue services, ambulance services, armed forces, defence forces and also municipalities and private companies. It enables the user organizations to cooperate fully on a national scale. Serving public order, security and health organizations, it is also used by commercial parties such as utility companies. The network has more than 50 000 subscribers, a number expected to rise to 70 000 within a few years.

Jean-Marc Nasr, head of secure communication solutions at Cassidian, said: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue our work with Rakel. By signing this new contract, the Swedish government has demonstrated its confidence in Cassidian’s ability to support it in the long term. Cassidian is looking forward to pursuing its development in the Kingdom of Sweden.”