The French Ministry of Interior selects Gemalto to secure critical communication mobile networks
Amsterdam, 27 November 2018 - The French Ministry of Interior has selected Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, to deliver robust connectivity and security in next-generation cellular networks used by officers from law enforcement and national security units for critical communication.
Today Public Safety networks are typically used where security forces and first responders require 100% reliable voice and simple data communication. These critical communication networks are migrating towards 4G/5G[1] to benefit from high-speed data connectivity, which enables real-time video applications.
The French enforcement agencies will benefit from private mobile broadband coverage from existing public LTE networks and ad-hoc deployable tactical bubbles[2], in different locations, with secure and dedicated access rights for their personnel. In only seconds, security force agents can intuitively switch between mobile networks, in response to operational requirements or unexpected coverage issues. Gemalto will provide its leading expertise by delivering customized SIMs, eSIMs and the related subscription management[3] solutions.
"Gemalto's unique blend of expertise across device security, authentication and secure connectivity allows us to deploy reliable, resilient and trusted private critical communication networks for French national security units" said General Bruno Poirier Coutansais, Head of information system technologies for national security at the French Ministry of Interior. "It will also help to comply with the most stringent regulations - e.g. IOPS[4] - for ultra-secure mobile networks."
"The global Public Safety LTE infrastructure market is expected to increase fourfold by the end of 2020 to reach over two billion USD[5]. Sophisticated cyber-threats pose a serious risk to these networks that military, police and other Public Safety agencies rely on," Frédéric Vasnier, Executive Vice President, Mobile Services & IoT at Gemalto. "Our recognized expertise in authentication and protection allows us to answer the pressing need for pre-5G customizable connectivity, enhanced network data protection and device security in the field of critical, tactical and secure communications."
[1] e.g. hybrid LTE-PMR (Private Mobile Radio) or full LTE networks
[2] A tactical bubble is an autonomous, robust and secure private network that can be deployed in a few hours to ensure mobile coverage around a specific mission-critical field of operations such as terrorist attack, war or natural disaster. It is aimed for up to few hundred users from the emergency services and the military.
[3] Gemalto On Demand Connectivity ensures secure remote management of embedded SIM (eSIM)-based mobile subscriptions. It is compliant with trade body GSMA's Remote SIM Provisioning specifications.
Gemalto Advanced OTA ensures secure remote management of the 4G and 5G SIM and eSIM file and application lifecycle.
[4] IOPS stands for "Isolated E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) Operation for Public Safety". IOPS is
a 3GPP-endorsed specification for radio access networks used in mission critical network operation for Public Safety.
