Digital radio is a mission-critical communications lifeline for Germany’s security forces, particularly during natural disasters, power outages and cyberattacks, according to Dr. Christoph Hübner, President of the Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio (BDBOS).

Speaking last week at the Smart Country Convention (SCCON), Hübner emphasised the importance of digital radio for authorities and organisations responsible for public safety and security in Germany.

The same resilience requirements apply to the federal networks operated by BDBOS. Designed with hardened infrastructure, high availability and emergency power supplies, these networks provide the foundation for security-related government communications.

Federal Cooperation Drives Next-Generation Communications

The federal and state governments have worked closely together on digital radio for years. This cooperation has supported joint decisions and implementation efforts towards the next generation of broadband digital radio.

BDBOS also recognises the importance of close partnerships with industry. Its role is to bring together the requirements of federal and state authorities with the technological capabilities of industry and translate them into concrete projects.

Maintaining Strategic Control of Critical Networks

Alongside resilience and cooperation, maintaining state control over critical communications infrastructure remains a key consideration in network development.

BDBOS emphasises that network design must preserve the state's strategic control over both networks and data while avoiding dependencies on individual companies.

To operate critical networks independently, the necessary structures, competencies and capabilities must be maintained and expanded. This approach is essential to shaping critical network infrastructure and safeguarding the state's ability to act during crises.

Image Credit: BDBOS