Press release

Free for release on January 27, at 1.30 pm (CET +1)

Bittium to deliver Bittium Tough Mobile smartphones and related back-end system for the Finnish Defence Forces

Oulu, Finland, January 27, 2017 – Bittium has signed a contract with the Finnish Defence Forces for the delivery of Bittium Tough Mobile LTE smartphones and related Bittium Secure Suite back-end system classified for Confidential level. The contract signifies a strategic decision to reinforce the information security of the wireless communications of the Finnish Defence Forces. Bittium Tough Mobile smartphones and the related back-end system will be used in different and diverse functions within the Finnish Defence Forces.

In order for a phone and a related back-end system to achieve the Confidential level classification, there are specific information security requirements regarding the processing of classified information, secure wireless transfer of files, and other possible communication, which need to be met. Bittium Tough Mobile LTE smartphone and its back-end system designed for this classification level include features that have been hardened based on the Katakri 2015 requirements, such as, hardened operating system, hardened user identification, and data transfer. In addition, the solution includes Digia Salpa, a mobile communications encryption product that provides strong encryption of both calls and messages. Katakri 2015 is a tool used by the Finnish authorities for security and information security audits. Bittium Tough Mobile and its back-end system together with Digia Salpa are currently being tested by the National Cyber Security Centre Finland, operating under the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, for getting the approval for the national classification level Confidential.

Bittium Tough Mobile designed for the classification level Confidential has a unique dual-boot functionality that makes Bittium Tough Mobile a device with two completely separate operating modes, Public and Confidential. This enables both professional use with high-level information security and personal use, e.g. using social media applications, with the same device. The user himself can switch between the two different modes.

“Cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces has significantly contributed to the development and testing of Bittium Tough Mobile’s information security features”, says Jari Sankala, Senior Vice President of Defense & Security at Bittium. “It is very important for us to be an active party in the implementation of Finland’s cyber strategy. In addition, the Finnish Defence Forces as our customer gives us a highly valued reference when marketing our systems internationally.”

Chief of C5, Brigadier General Mikko Heiskanen: ”Bittium is a strategic partner to the Finnish Defence Forces, especially in supplying wireless communications solutions for normal conditions, when those conditions are disturbed, and for state of emergency. Bittium Tough Mobile terminal is planned to be used for enabling the command of all the statutory functions of the Finnish Defence Forces, in all states of alert, both in Finland and abroad.”

The contract has no significant impact on Bittium's net sales, operating result or financial standing, and it has also no effect on Bittium's financial outlook for the year 2016.

Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone includes several innovative features that have been designed for authorities and other professional uses where reliable and secure communication is needed. The Android-based device has a mechanical structure that is a combination of extreme durability and the usability of a modern and advanced smartphone. Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone incorporates a hardware-based security platform, global support for LTE frequencies, professional level audio features, and the possibility to use two different SIM cards.

Bittium Secure Suite is a device management and encryption software product that complements Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone with a scalable set of new software services for remote management, remote attestation and securing the network connections of the device. Bittium Tough Mobile smartphone and Bittium Secure Suite together form a unique and reliable system for processing and transferring encrypted and classified material, and securing critical communications.

Further information:

Jari Sankala
Senior Vice President, Defense & Security
Tel. +358 (0)40 344 3507
Email: sales1global(a)bittium.com

Digia Salpa is a Finnish mobile communications solution that provides strong encryption of both calls and messages on phones, tablets and workstations. It was designed from both Finnish and European premises. The solution is intended for users who need to ensure the security and privacy of their communications and to be able to communicate confidential information. Digia Salpa can be used in communications both inside and between organizations.

Further information:
Sami Rantanen
Digia Plc, Head of Industry Public
Tel. +358 (0)40 772 2920
Email: [email protected]

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Bittium Corporation
Bittium specializes in the development of reliable, secure communications and connectivity solutions, drawing on its 30 year legacy of expertise in advanced radio communication technologies. Bittium provides innovative products and customized solutions based on its product platforms and R&D services. Complementing its communications and connectivity solutions, Bittium offers proven information security solutions for mobile devices and portable computers. Starting from November 10th, Bittium also offers healthcare technology products and services in biosignal measuring in cardiology, neurology, rehabilitation, occupational health and sports medicine. Net sales of continuing operations in 2015 were EUR 56.8 million, and operating profit was EUR 2.3 million. Bittium is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Exchange. www.bittium.com

Digia Plc
Digia is a profitably growing IT service company that helps its customers harness digital opportunities. As a visionary partner, Digia develops and innovates solutions that support business operations together with its customers. We adapt our expertise to their specific industries to help them develop digital services, manage operations and utilise information. We employ 850 experts in Finland and Sweden. We are expanding our international presence together with our customers. Digia’s continuing operations had net sales of EUR 81 million in 2015. The company is listed on NASDAQ Helsinki (DIG1V). www.digia.com