VIRVE provided secure communications at OSCE meeting
25.02.2009, 17:37
The VIRVE system provided secure internal communications for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the large OSCE meeting in autumn 2008.
– BASED ON THE NEEDS and earlier experience, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs decided to implement its own closed network as the most simple possible solution. There was not much time for training users, says Jukka Seppälä, supervisor of document traffic services at the office service unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
In addition to his supervisory tasks, Seppälä also serves as the Ministry’s top expert on all matters connected to radio operations and is the Ministry’s VIRVE contact person. VIRVE was used much more extensively than at previous meetings and the users were also more skilled.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs had about 90 terminals in use during the OSCE meeting. They did not have VIRVE connections to other organisations using the network, about which there was some disagreement at the Ministry.
– It might have been useful for some people, at least for communicating with the internal security personnel of the fair centre, Seppälä says. Others felt that such a connection would have caused too much traffic in the system without a good reason, he adds.
Simple is beautiful
Only three voice communication groups were formed, UM ETY, PRESS, and KULJETUS. The communication mostly concerned the general arrangements and dissemination of information. No classified matters were discussed over the channels.
– Most of the traffic was handled using a ‘walkie-talkie’ method. Everyone scanning or listening to a certain communication group could hear everything. TETRA private calls could be made when necessary, Seppälä says.
Users were pleased that it was even possible using VIRVE to quickly reach individuals with unknown mobile phone numbers were not known. It was possible to contact the desired party quickly. Because the communication groups were open, it was easy for everyone to stay up to date.
Users find VIRVE easy and convenient to use. Most users said they would rather use VIRVE than GSM phones at future meetings.