GCF launches interoperability testing for broadband MCS certification

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) and TCCA have announced that interoperability (IOP) testing is now available as an active part of GCF Certification for 3GPP-based mission-critical services (MCS), supporting efficient deployment of 5G and LTE networks for first responders, public safety agencies and critical infrastructure providers.

Ericsson’s Device and Network Test Lab and RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) test infrastructure AstaZero are now officially recognised as IOP-RTOs (Recognised Test Organisations) and can offer testing services to the industry. This has been possible due to industry collaboration of GCF and TCCA Members at the Mission Critical Services Workstream (MCS-WS).

Vendors can now test their products in controlled environments with live 4G and 5G networks supporting mission-critical services, without the need to secure testing in live mission-critical networks that are in various stages of deployment globally. The interoperability testing provides an additional layer of confidence to mission-critical communications operators who are looking to procure certified solutions for their services.

The MCS-WS has been actively developing, with the leading support of Frequentis and Eviden, a testing scheme for MCS product certification to check functional interoperability of MCS clients and devices against various commercial MCS network servers, over live 4G and 5G private networks. All product manufacturers aiming to certify their MCS implementation must successfully pass both conformance and interoperability testing to become GCF MCS Certified.

“The launch of the Interoperability testing for GCF Mission Critical Certification programme marks an important milestone for the entire public safety ecosystem,” said Freddie Södergren, Head of Mission Critical Networks and Defense, Ericsson. “As one of the first GCF Recognised Test Organisations for MCS Interoperability testing, Ericsson’s Device & Network Testing Lab is proud to support our customers in validating that their MCS clients and devices meet both 3GPP standards and real-world interoperability requirements.”

“This progress is a strong testament to the power of global collaboration,” said Charlotte Roesener, Head of MCX Product & Technology, Frequentis.” The rapid advancement we are seeing highlights the industry’s shared commitment. IOP testing marks the next critical milestone in ensuring true interoperability across systems from different vendors.”

Ensuring that mission critical devices and networks are interoperable is a vital part of GCF and TCCA’s work to enable high-quality, reliable and secure wireless communications around the globe.

For more information on GCF’s MCS Certification and Interoperability Testing programmes, please contact mcs@globalcertificationforum.org.

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