With the introduction of the ‘SaFe’ (Satellitenfunk Feuerwehr) satellite radio system, Baden-Württemberg is adding another highly available transmission layer to the existing communications architecture of authorities and organisations with security tasks (BOS). The aim is to ensure continuous communication even in the event of network congestion, international operations or large-scale infrastructure failures.
Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Strobl emphasised at the presentation: ‘Our fire brigade personnel must be able to communicate securely at all times, especially in crisis situations. Communication is essential for a successful operation.’
Technical background
The BOS digital radio network is the standard for mission-critical communications in Germany. It is based on the TETRA standard, is uniformly expanded throughout Germany and meets high requirements for reliability and power supply. Nevertheless, dependencies exist: foreign forces are not automatically integrated in international relief operations under the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
In disaster situations with exceptionally high communication volumes, network load peaks can also occur. And even if redundancies and emergency power supplies are in place, a large-scale, prolonged failure cannot be completely ruled out.
The satellite radio system addresses these scenarios with a technologically independent parallel structure. Unlike terrestrial BOS digital radio, no ground-based infrastructure such as base stations, masts or antennas is required. Communication takes place directly via satellite, eliminating dependence on local power supplies and network stability.
Security and encryption aspects
End-to-end encryption is an essential criterion for use in KRITIS environments. With ‘SaFe’, all transmitted voice and data information is encrypted end-to-end and protected throughout the entire transport path. This prevents unauthorised interception. In addition, the architecture provides physical separation of the communication paths: even if the digital radio network fails or is compromised, satellite radio remains operational.
Implementation in Baden-Württemberg
For the concrete implementation, the state has initially procured 52 permanently installed satellite radio devices for control centres and central facilities, as well as 190 portable handheld radios. This equipment will be used in the city and district authorities, the regional councils and the Ministry of the Interior itself. Technical operation will be based on the ‘K-Funk’ system from abel&käufl in Landshut. The contract is initially for five years and covers both the provision of equipment and the necessary service and support structure. Once the current implementation phase, in which the user agencies are testing the technology and coordinating interfaces with the existing BOS digital radio system, has been completed, a comprehensive evaluation will be carried out. Based on this evaluation, the Ministry of the Interior will decide on possible adjustments and enhancements. This will ensure that the system is not just an isolated addition, but is gradually integrated into the existing communication architecture for hazard control.
Significance for the KRITIS communication architecture
SaFe establishes a multi-layered communication architecture that equally strengthens redundancy, interoperability and resilience. It creates redundancy through a parallel, independent network, interoperability through usability in international deployment scenarios, and resilience through independence from energy infrastructure and local network load. Baden-Württemberg is thus sending a technical signal for the future: only by establishing redundant, encrypted communication systems can emergency services be safely guided even in extreme scenarios.
