Transfer of photos & videos: Vodafone starts security network for police

The network operator Vodafone Germany has activated a new security network for the police, fire brigade and emergency services. The tetra network, which is common so far, is getting old, it is based on 2G radio and is used for discussions with radio devices. The new technology, on the other hand, enables data transmissions – such as photos or videos of suspects or missing people via smartphone and other technology.

“We start a virtual rescue alley in mobile communications,” says Vodafone Germany boss Marcel de Groot. “It is particularly safe and is formed in our LTE and 5G networks.” The agency radio is expanded to include multimedia content.

As much bandwidth is available as is currently required – even at football games or concerts in stadiums with tens of thousands of people. The rescue workers’ service cell phones are marked virtually, which gives them priority on the network. The procedure is based on MCX technology, the abbreviation stands for “Mission Critical Communications”.

Police cell phones have priority

It is not about so -called Network Slicing, in which a network area is cut out and a prioritized service is made available – the network slicing has to be determined beforehand. MCX technology, on the other hand, also applies to spontaneous developments – for example when there is a terrorist attack and then want to find out thousands of people in the area or want to call the family. The data requirement goes through the ceiling and the network is overloaded. Even then, police officers can still use their cell phones well, since the network recognizes their connections as priority.

Security forces in some federal states will use the first functions of the new infrastructure to use the information shortly. Which federal states they are was not communicated. Further functions should be added in the course of the year. In the future, the virtual safety net with MCX technology can also be used in other European countries.