Closer Integration of Critical Infrastructure into National Security System Needed

Recent incidents of drones entering Latvian airspace have highlighted the role of critical infrastructure in national security.

According to a survey conducted by Bite Latvija and Norstat Latvija in May this year, 89% of respondents believe the state should timely identify and react to unauthorized drone activity. 65% said cell broadcast messages help understand the situation, and 69% would follow instructions in case of a threat.

Bite Latvija has invested approximately 200 million euros in critical infrastructure over more than 20 years, allocating about 20 million euros annually for network development. The company has implemented Latvia's first pilot project of a nearly energy-independent mobile base station, capable of generating up to 95% of its needed energy from solar and wind power. The station is designed as a platform for sensors, cameras, and anti-drone solutions.

Amendments to the Electronic Communications Law are being developed to introduce national roaming in crisis situations. This would allow the government to ensure communication availability via other operators' networks if infrastructure is damaged.

The author, CEO of Bite Latvija, emphasizes that closer integration of critical infrastructure into the national security system is an urgent necessity as the security environment in the Baltic region changes rapidly. By wisely using existing resources—towers, data transmission networks, power supply solutions—new solutions can be introduced faster and more efficiently.