ASTRID, the specialist telecoms operator for Belgium's emergency and security services, today (18 October) launched the next generation of its Blue Light Mobile service, which will provide users with secure and priority access to the country’s three mobile networks and 11 networks in four neighbouring countries. Jan Jambon, Minister for Security and the Interior, handed out the first SIM cards today to the various public safety agencies, during a launch event attended by the Federal Crisis Centre and 150 staff from across the emergency and security services.
A Blue Light Mobile SIM card
There are two service levels: FIRST and PRIOR, with both offering priority communications. PRIOR card users have the added guarantee that their voice and data communications have absolute priority over all other mobile users.
The number of PRIOR SIM cards is capped at 6,000 customers at present, to ensure that priority access operates effectively. However, there is still no limit on the number of FIRST SIM cards for all emergency and security services.
The second generation of Blue Light Mobile now offers voice communications, allowing users to make priority phone calls quickly with their normal mobile or smartphone. However, Blue Light Mobile is not intended to replace the existing TETRA radio network, but instead represents a complementary service. The ASTRID radio network remains the primary method of group voice communication for all of Belgium’s emergency services.
Blue Light Mobile SIM cards can also be personalised and individual users can activate different communication methods and options. From 1 November, security departments and agencies can begin the phase-in of the new Blue Light Mobile SIM cards.
ASTRID first launched Blue Light Mobile as a high-speed data communication service in 2014. The connectivity provided by Blue Light Mobile allows teams to easily check vehicle registration numbers in real-time using their tablets, as well as perform identity checks, draft reports, query the dangerous substances database or share a photo or map with the control room. The SIM card offers private access to a secure cloud, providing public safety organisations with secure environments for their own applications.
"Emergency situations and major incidents that this country has experienced recently have demonstrated just how important it is to have stable and efficient methods of communication", noted Frédéric De Fays, expert at the Federal Crisis Centre.
Marc De Buyser, Astrid’s CEO, said: "With this new management contract, ASTRID can focus on renewing all of its communication systems. Our teams are also applying their technical expertise to initiatives supporting staff on the ground as they carry out critical missions that save lives".
Minister Jambon symbolically handing over the first Blue Light Mobile SIM cards to Belgian public safety officials during the official launch; image credit: Marco Mertens
