Norwegian defence authorities choose Telenor for telephony agreement

Norwegian defence authorities and the National Security Authority (NSM) have selected Telenor as their provider of telephony and communications services for the coming years. The contract covers mobile and fixed telephony as well as digital communications platforms, and has an estimated value of approximately 750 million Norwegian kroner.

According to Norwegian Defence Materiel (Forsvarsmateriell), the procurement was conducted with stringent requirements for security, robustness, coverage, and reliability of supply, against the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in Europe.

The framework agreement runs for four years, with an option to extend for up to three additional years. The maximum contract value, including options, amounts to 950 million Norwegian kroner excluding VAT.

The contract covers, among other things, mobile and fixed telephony, switchboard solutions, self-service functions, integration solutions, technical operations, and software. According to Forsvarsmateriell, the services are intended to support automation and digitalisation, and to remain operational during states of readiness, crisis, and war.

– For us, it has been particularly important to secure a long-term agreement with a solid and innovative partner. Telenor delivers on all criteria and can demonstrate very strong coverage both now and in the future, says Gro Jære, Director of Forsvarsmateriell, in a press release from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA).

According to Forsvarsmateriell, national control over infrastructure and coverage in northern Norway and coastal areas was of particular importance in the procurement process.

– The defence sector now gains access to Norway's most extensive and robust communications network, built to function even in demanding situations, says Birgitte Engebretsen, Chief Executive of Telenor Norge.

Forsvarsmateriell also states that the provider must be able to adapt its services to changing requirements and an increasing number of users, in line with the development of Norway's long-term defence plan.