Axión and Cellnex will implement a new digital network to provide security and emergency mobile communications services for the Andalusia government

The new network will provide over 99% coverage across the Andalusia region, including advanced functionalities for user security, such as real-time control of biometric parameters.

Seville, November 18, 2022. Last October, the joint venture comprising Axión and Tradia (a Cellnex group company) signed a contract with the Digital Agency of Andalusia to supply, install and start up the digital emergency network, along with network operation and maintenance services, for the regional government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía).

With this key milestone, Andalusia will have a complete regional network of radio communications for emergencies that will benefit the Infoca Plan for the extinction of forest fires, the 112 Emergency service of Andalusia, the Public Health Emergencies Company (EPES), which coordinates the 061 service, and the regional Police force. It will also be used by the staff operating the Sierra Nevada ski slopes and the Hidrosur network, which manages the water basins. Coverage will be provided to particularly sensitive areas such as forests, natural parks and settings for key events such as the Romero Plan.

Setting up this new network will facilitate coordination between the security forces and emergency services of Andalusia to optimise efficiency in operations; they will even have the appropriate gateways for interconnection with other emergency networks such as the national network of the Civil Guard, the Military Emergencies Unit and the Spanish National Police force, in addition to coordination with other networks of local entities and SCADA data systems of the water basins.

Creating this new network will involve implementing the necessary digital infrastructure and technology and will take advantage of the synergies achieved by both companies joining forces. They will be able to draw on their extensive network of centres in the Andalusia region, which are sufficient to ensure quality and maximum coverage in rural areas, with containment measures in the event of power outages and constant remote monitoring systems. Central nodes will also be provided for redundancy in the event of disasters, which are also connected to the Andalusia government’s own corporate systems through specific applications.

The contract covers the provision of more than 7,000 portable, fixed and vehicular communication devices, including fixed dispatch centres and rapid action mobile units, as well as modem data transmission devices. These are state-of-the-art terminal devices provided with the highest level of encryption and advanced functionalities.

The service is reinforced with highly critical maintenance ensured by technical and human resources available 24/7, all year round, including a specialised technical office and highly qualified technical field personnel, as well as vehicles to access high mountain areas, laboratories and custom instruments.

An ambitious transition plan will also be rolled out to migrate the current services from the current networks using a customised migration protocol to guarantee users a smooth and effective transition.

Axión brings extensive experience in the design, implementation and maintenance of communications networks for security forces. Over the last 20 years it has provided maintenance for the Emergency network of the Regional Ministry of the Presidency, Public Administration and Interior, which is responsible for 112 Emergencies, Civil Protection, the Attached Police Unit and operations in special events. It also maintains the Environment and Water Agency (INFOCA) fire-fighting system, including radio equipment and communication systems, as well as the Provincial Operational and Forest Protection, Watch Towers and Mobile Units Centres.

Tradia is part of Cellnex Telecom and has extensive experience in rolling out and operating digital technology radio communications networks, as well integrating network services in Control Centres that serve more than 98,000 users in Spain. Among these we could highlight the TETRA networks for Security and Emergencies of Catalonia (RESCAT), Canal de Isabel II (Madrid), the Valencia region (COMDES), Galicia (RESGAL), Navarre, Balearics, Murcia (RADIECARM) and Seville City Council (SECORA).

About Cellnex Telecom

The efficient deployment of next-generation connectivity is essential to drive technological innovation and accelerate inclusive economic growth. Cellnex Telecom is the independent wireless telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructures operator that enables operators to access Europe’s most extensive network of advanced telecommunications infrastructures on a shared-use basis, helping to reduce access barriers for new operators and to improve services in the most remote areas.

Cellnex manages a portfolio than 138,000 sites – including forecast roll-outs up to 2030 – in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. Cellnex’s business is structured in four major areas: telecommunications infrastructure services; audiovisual broadcasting networks, security and emergency service networks and solutions for smart urban infrastructure and services management (Smart cities and the “Internet of Things” (IoT)).

The company is listed on the continuous market of the Spanish stock exchange and is part of the selective IBEX 35 and EuroStoxx 100 indices. It is also present in the main sustainability indices, such as Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Sustainalytics, FTSE4Good and MSCI. Cellnex’s reference shareholders include Edizione, GIC, TCI, BlackRock, CPP Investments, CriteriaCaixa and Norges Bank.