Virve 2 ready for deployment – What constitutes a reliable service?
What is the Virve 2 service comprised of?
The comprehensive solution includes an intelligent core network with essential information systems, a nationwide 4G/5G radio access network, smart devices specifically designed for public safety use along with their lifecycle services, and mobile applications for group communication—namely, the Group Voice Service and Group Video Service.
Virve 2 is now available for deployment, and user organizations are validating its functionality and quality within their operational activities. This article summarizes the key components of Virve 2, its implementation partners, and the services offered.
1. Core network – The brain and secure core of Virve 2
The core network serves as the heart of Virve 2, managing all data communication intelligently. It identifies users and devices, controls network access, and securely and efficiently routes voice, data, and video communications. Features such as prioritization, traceability, and dynamic resource allocation among user groups are also enabled.
The network is monitored around the clock using automated solutions. All communications are encrypted and meet stringent security requirements. Ericsson provides the core network, supporting both 4G and 5G services. Critical mobile services such as voice, data, and messaging are available, with future offerings including public safety roaming, 5G network slicing, and Voice over New Radio (VoNR).
However, connectivity to the user also requires the radio network and terminal devices—together, these technologies form an ecosystem where the core network acts as the intelligent hub.
2. Radio Access Network – coverage and preparedness across Finland
Virve 2 utilizes Elisa’s 4G and 5G networks, which have been expanded and optimized to meet the needs of critical public safety communication. The network has been built to cover as extensively as possible the area of the current Virve public safety network in Finland. The service area has been significantly increased with new base station locations, and battery backups have been added to several sites to safeguard against power outages.
Automation measures in the network address many disruption scenarios. For special situations, mobile base stations and capacity management for mass events are available. Public safety traffic is always prioritized in the network: critical messages get through even during congestion, and consumer traffic can be temporarily restricted if necessary. These prioritization features ensure that services for safety operators function even when most needed, such as during major incidents.
The network’s service area already covers approximately 95% of Finland’s land area. Practical measurements and testing have demonstrated that the network quality meets the planned service level. The Virve 2 Radar application can be used for practical testing, allowing users to measure signal strength and report potential coverage gaps. Ensuring indoor coverage is also a key part of the deployment. Building owners are responsible for implementing coverage in accordance with regulations provided by rescue authorities.
3. Smart devices – developed for public safety use with critical features
Terminal devices connect the user to the core network via the radio access network. They also provide users with access to Virve 2 services, such as the Group Voice Service and Group Video Service.
Virve 2 terminal and accessory devices are designed for public safety use in demanding conditions. The phones resemble smartphones but are shock-resistant, dust- and waterproof, and equipped with special features such as push-to-talk buttons and connectors suitable for accessories. The device selection includes lighter smartphone solutions, vehicle-mounted terminals, and, by the end of 2025, the first rugged mobile devices for field use.
Devices are delivered as part of a comprehensive service. Erillisverkot is responsible for the Virve 2 terminal device service, devices, and their lifecycle services in collaboration with its partner Senop Communications. Terminal devices are ordered from Erillisverkot, and their lifecycle services cover pre-installations, maintenance, and secure disposal of devices. Tested and approved accessories are ordered from Senop.
4. Applications – Group Voice and Group Video Services ready for use
The Group Voice Service is the most important individual application in Virve 2. It is already in production and ready for immediate use. The application, produced by Airbus, is fully compatible with existing TETRA terminals, enabling voice communication between current Virve network phones and new Virve 2 terminals. The usage logic—such as group numbering and joining groups—remains unchanged, facilitating the transition.
The service includes group calls, individual calls, emergency calls, positioning, group scanning, and many other features familiar from the Virve public safety network. Updates occur over the network, accelerating deployment and simplifying maintenance.
The Group Video Service expands the toolkit for group communication. It enables real-time video, still images, audio, and location sharing. The video service is already used in drones and vehicles, allowing immediate assessment of the criticality of situations on-site. This accelerates decision-making and aids in resource allocation.
Support for testing and deployment
The Virve 2 service is a platform that, like other mobile services, continues to evolve flexibly. Work is already underway to distribute other applications needed by users to terminal devices. The long-term technical goal is compatibility with services according to the MCX standard.
“Virve 2’s sandbox is ready—welcome to choose your own ‘shovels and buckets’! Let’s shape a service that meets your specific needs together. We offer support at every stage of testing and deployment—please don’t hesitate to contact us,” encourages Erillisverkot’s CEO, Timo Lehtimäki.
Want to learn more about Virve services?
Contact us:
Erillisverkot – Customer Service
Weekdays 8:00–16:00
asiakaspalvelu@erillisverkot.fi
Phone: 0800 182 555
