Further Development of the Communication System in the Control Centers of Hessian Fire Departments by CONET

Bonn, February 18, 2025 – The Hessian Ministry of the Interior, Security and Homeland Security (HMdI) continues to rely on CONET for the communication system in the central control centers of the state of Hesse. With the signing of the framework agreement between the Kassel Regional Council and CONET to extend the successful cooperation, the green light has been given for a number of key projects. CONET Communications GmbH will continue to ensure the trouble-free operation of the control center communication solution in the future and further develop it to meet technical and legal requirements. The communication system based on the CONET Unified Communications Radio Suite (UCRS) has been in use in emergency call and emergency management since 2019 and is now used in 24 fire department control centers in Hesse as well as at the state fire brigade school. By coordinating the fire and rescue services in all non-police control centers in the state, the communication solution makes a significant contribution to civil protection.

The first focal points of the planned further developments are the implementation of the legal requirements for accessibility for emergency callers and the integration of the Next Generation Emergency Call. The so-called NG eCall represents the next development stage of automatic emergency call systems in motor vehicles, as prescribed by the European Union for all new vehicle models since 2018. The framework agreement, which has a term of up to seven years, also covers the complete system service, including technical, software and consulting services.

Dr. Tobias Bräunlein, Head of the Fire and Disaster Control, Homeland Security and Crisis Management Department at the Hessian Ministry of the Interior, for Security and Homeland Security, welcomes the continued cooperation: "Over the past nine years, we have worked together on important future developments in emergency call and emergency management in Hesse. In doing so, we are living up to our claim of having the most modern control centers in Germany in Hesse and thus ensuring optimum protection and reliable emergency care for our citizens. I look forward to tackling the upcoming further developments with the specialists from CONET, who will support us with their powerful software, experience and outstanding service."

Volker Behrend, Managing Director of CONET Communications GmbH, adds: "With the signing of the contract, we are going full steam ahead with the implementation of numerous new projects for the evolution of digitalization in emergency management. In doing so, we are addressing key technical and demographic developments in emergency communications and ensuring the future viability of our communications system in the central control centers of the state of Hesse."

In addition to accessibility and NG eCall integration, the framework agreement provides scope for numerous optional extensions. These include comprehensive MCx solutions for Mission Critical Services, the integration of Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) to integrate audio and video directly into the application software, AI-based speech-to-text and translation functions, support for drone control as well as the joint development of modernized alarm plans and an extended connection to the state-wide alarm systems.