Bringing critical broadband devices to market

As the critical communications industry begins to adopt 4G and 5G broadband communications, devices are needed that can match the mission-critical capabilities of the networks. A new white paper from TCCA, the global representative organisation for the critical communications ecosystem, highlights the complexity that operators and users need to consider in order to achieve successful mission-critical device procurement.

Today’s public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) devices are still mostly built on narrowband technologies, providing mission-critical voice and short messaging services. These services are often available within nationwide PPDR network coverage, utilising dedicated frequency bands.

Bringing broadband devices that meet the demanding needs of mission-critical users to a niche market will require investments by vendors and commitment from customers in terms of development support, minimum order quantities and user testing and acceptance. Device and operating system software lifecycles of broadband devices are short compared to narrowband radios, even though vendors are doing their best to extend them. The current procurement, testing, certification and approval processes required for PPDR usage therefore need to be adapted accordingly.