Ep 74: Securing the backbone - Protecting physical security in critical comms infrastructure

In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of physical security for the infrastructure that supports our essential communication services: the towers, cables, and network sites that must remain operational for public safety, emergency services, and other vital sectors. 

As critical communications increasingly rely on commercial mobile networks, questions of ownership, responsibility, and resilience become more urgent. What happens when a tower is vandalized, or a cable is sabotaged? Who's in charge of protecting these assets? 

To unpack this complex topic, we’re joined by three expert guests who contributed to TCCA’s newly released white paper: “Legal and Regulatory Aspects Relating to the Physical Security of the Telecommunications Infrastructure Used for Critical Communication Services”. Together, we explore how different countries are approaching this challenge—and why harmonized regulation might be the key to future resilience. 

In this episode we touch on:

• Why physical infrastructure security deserves more attention
• The transition from government-owned to commercial networks—and what that means
• Legal, operational, and contractual frameworks for ensuring infrastructure protection
• Insights from Finland, Norway, and the UK on national approaches
• The challenges of regulation, transparency, and vendor involvement
• How Europe and beyond can move toward harmonized minimum standards
• The role of mobile network operators (MNOs)—and why they need to be part of the conversation

A big thanks to our guests for this episode:

• Lasantha De Alwis – Telecoms Policy and Regulation Lead, UK Home Office Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme
• Nina Myren – Specialist Director, Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB); Chair, TCCA Legal and Regulatory Working Group
• Kari Junttila – Development Manager, Erillisverkot (Finland’s State Security Network Operator)

Related Resource:

• TCCA White Paper: Legal and Regulatory Aspects Relating to the Physical Security of Telecommunications Infrastructure for Critical Communications

Key takeaway: Physical security is not just a local issue—it’s a global challenge. As critical communications ride on commercial infrastructure, it’s time for governments, regulators, and MNOs to collaborate and treat physical protection with the same urgency as cybersecurity.

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