Omdia Crit Comms Circle

In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest shifts in the public safety landscape: the move to the cloud. We are joined by Rohan Galloway-Dawkins, Chief Product Officer at Versaterm, to tackle and bust the top five myths that often surround cloud adoption in emergency services. From concerns about data security and control to questions of connectivity and interoperability.

Top 5 myths discussed:

Myth #1: Cloud migration automatically means the provider handles all your security.
Reality: Security in the cloud follows a shared responsibility model. Providers secure the infrastructure, but agencies must manage their own policies, compliance and user practices.

Myth #2: Moving to the cloud means losing control of your data.
Reality: Your data remains yours. With clear contracts and responsible vendors, agencies retain full ownership and control. It's a partnership, not a handover.

Myth #3: Cloud systems can't work in rural or low-connectivity areas.
Reality: With proper planning and redundancy, modern connectivity (including satellite and multi-ISP solutions) makes reliable cloud access achievable almost anywhere.

Myth #4: Mission critical systems like CAD are too important to move to the cloud.
Reality: Cloud platforms now offer higher availability, reliability, and disaster recovery capabilities than most on-prem setups. In fact, by 2030, over 80% of CADs systems are forecasted to be cloud-based.

Myth #5: Cloud solutions make interoperability harder.
Reality: Quite the opposite. Cloud systems enhance interoperability by making it easier to share data and coordinate across jurisdictions, although careful planningand governance remain key.



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Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) has been set up to provide railways with a standardized, future-proof communication solution capable of supporting advanced rail operations and services. FRMCS builds on 3GPP-based 5G standalone and mission-critical (MCX) architectures to support the new ETCS as a replacement for GSM-R. But the path towards FRMCS is way more than a straight-forward technology upgrade. The development of FRMCS is a testament to the power of collaboration among diverse stakeholders across the railway ecosystem.

In this episode, we're joined by Marta Fontecha and Raquel Frisa from Teltronic (www.teltronic.es/en/transport/), who share first-hand insights, from lab trials to field pilot deployments like their upcoming high-speed trial, in collaboration with the Spanish railway operator Adif.  The discussion highlights the key learnings to make FRMCS the backbone of safer, more efficient railway transportation networks.


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In this episode, we explore the critical topic of AI transparency and how Motorola Solutions is pioneering a new approach to responsible innovation.

In July 2025, Motorola unveiled AI Labels for its Public Safety and Enterprise Security products. These are digital transparency tools that explain, in clear terms, the role of AI in mission critical environments.

Much like nutrition labels on food products, these AI labels break down the "ingredients" of AI: the type of AI being used, who owns the data, how human controls are applied, and the specific purpose of the AI feature. The goal is to demystify AI for customers, communities, and stakeholders while ensuring accountability and trust.

To walk us through the origins, design, and broader implicaitons of this innovation, we are joined by Jehan Wickramasuriya - Senior Vice President, Security & Resilience Software at Motorola Solutions.

What you'll learn this episode

• The origins of AI labels: Why Motorola introduced them and how both internal motivations and customer demand shaped their creation.
• Design inspiration: How nutrition labels and academic research on transparency informed the structure of AI labels.
  
  
• Key components: Type of AI used, data ownership, human controls, purpose, and multi-level access to deeper information.
  
  
• Real-world applications: How AI enhances emergency call handling, video analytics, and Enterprise workflows through features like Assist.
  
  
• Procurement & policy implications: How AI labels are already influencing customer conversations, procurement processes, and responsible innovation across industries.
  
  
• Looking ahead: The potential evolution of AI labels, continuous iteration, and their role in building reciprocal trust between technology providers, agencies, and the communities they serve.

Resources and Links
Motorola Solutions Trust Center: AI Labels

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In this special post-event episode, we unpack everything from the recent Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025, held at the Brussels Expo from June 17–19. This year’s event was the largest CCW to date, buzzing with new exhibitors, groundbreaking demos, and intense energy on the show floor.

From the packed conference halls to in-depth discussions at the Global Village, this episode captures the biggest takeaways—from global program updates to award-winning innovations.

🔹 Global Village Highlights
We recap 8 of the 15 national program updates presented this year:

• UK: Targeting full ESN readiness by Q4 2028, with Airwave extended to 2031
• Germany: Restarting their broadband transition after procurement disruptions
• Denmark: Exploring broadband options, no firm timeline yet
• Canada: National PSBN stalled, but regional pilots show promise
• Hungary: Building a unified LT/5G public sector network
• India: Adopting a hybrid model blending public LTE with private networks
• Romania: Structured transition from TETRA to mission-critical broadband
• France: Leading the EU shift with the RRF program and a strong focus on resilience and interoperability

🔹 End-User Driven Innovation

• Case study: Motorola’s WAVE PTX solution in Brazil bridging fragmented networks
• Real-world challenges like interoperability and cross-agency collaboration
• End users shaping design and deployment from day one

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In this episode, we explore Lancashire Constabulary's recent digital transformation. We dive into how innovative technologies like advanced control room systems, upgraded body worn cameras, and in-car video, are reshaping frontline policing. 

We are joined by Chief Superintendent Chris Hardy. With over 18 years of experience, and a deep passion for innovation, Chris provides a comprehensive view of how strategic tech investment is improving officer efficiency, community safety, and evidential quality, while ensuring teams stay connected and supported.

What we cover

• The technology rollout: Lancashire Constabulary's deployment of 1,750 new body worn cameras (Motorola Solutions V500's), Pronto mobile application, and the M500 in-car video system.
• From Legacy to Leading-edge: A retrosepctive look at the evolution of policing tech, from early headcams to the urrent integrated ecosystem.
• Modernising control rooms: How new live streaming capabilities are transforming incident response and improving situational awareness in real-time.
• Evidence collection and court efficiencies: The pwoer of HD video in simplifying court proceedings, reducing officer court time, and strengthening victim journeys through the justice system.
• Team-led innovation: Why collaboration across ICT, fleet, and operational teams has been essential for a successful transformation.
• System integration and interoperability: The critical importance of connected platforms, and how avoiding data silos helps reduce rekeying errors, improve accuracy, and maximise efficiency.
• Advice for other agencies: Chris shares strategic insights for other public safety organisations exploring similar transformation journeys, including lessons learned, vendor relationships, and the importance of being an informed customer.

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In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of mission-critical communications, especially as broadband technologies continue disrupting traditional models. Our special guest, Stuart Will, VP of Sales at DAMM Cellular Systems, joins us to unpack how enterprise verticals beyond public safety are redefining what “critical” truly means in communication infrastructure. 

From utilities and mining to transportation and offshore wind farms, Stuart shares real-world insights from global markets and customer experiences. We explore how decision-makers in 2025 are weighing cost, security, and performance—and how coexistence between narrowband and broadband is no longer theoretical, but increasingly the norm.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Evolving Definition of "Critical Comms": Why reliable communication is now a lifeline across multiple industries, not just public safety.
• Vertical-Specific Needs: What mining, transportation, utilities, and wind farms require from mission-critical networks—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Narrowband vs. Broadband: Coexistence & Reality: Why hybrid models are taking hold, and how enterprises are embracing “better together” approaches instead of full transitions.
• Economics Behind the Gear: How strategic buying decisions, OPEX models, and managed services are transforming procurement for critical infrastructure.
• Security, Reliability & SLA Pressures: What makes narrowband still indispensable despite the data promise of LTE/5G—and how cyber threats and system uptime influence long-term investments.
• Lessons for End Users: How adjacent verticals and system integrators can offer valuable procurement insight—and why manufacturers may be a crucial resource for cross-industry best practices.

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In this episode, we dive into the key highlights and reflections from EENA 2025, the European Emergency Number Association’s annual conference and trade show held in Helsinki, Finland. With over 800 attendees from 50+ countries, the event sparked critical conversations on emergency communications, next-generation technologies, and end-user experience.

Joining us are returning guest Benoit Vivier and first-time guest Christina Lumbreras, both of EENA, who share their insights and top moments from the event.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Energy and Engagement at EENA 2025
• AI in Emergency Communications
• NG112 and MCX: Converging Technologies
• Focus on User Experience and Operator Well-being
• The Policy Perspective: EU Digital Networks Act

Resources & Links

• EENA Main Website
• EENA Conference Website
• EU Commissioner’s Video Message

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In this episode, we venture beyond the stratosphere to explore the evolving world of satellite constellations. From GEOs to MEOs to LEOs—and even high-altitude platforms in the REO (Regional Earth Orbit) layer—we unpack the technology, applications, and future of global connectivity.

Recorded live at IWCE, this session is one of over 150 expert-led presentations delivered at the conference. Now available as part of the IWCE Digital Pass, you can access this and every session—on demand—for a complete look at the latest in mission-critical communications.

Check out the IWCE Digital Pass here: IWCE 2025

For this episode, what you'll learn:

• LEO vs. GEO vs. MEO vs. RIO: What each orbit does best, and why no single orbit fits all use cases.
• Satellite Applications in Public Safety: Emergency response, disaster recovery, rural healthcare, utilities, and beyond.
• Multi-Orbit Architecture: How merging GEO and LEO networks (like Eutelsat-OneWeb) offers hybrid resiliency, bandwidth, and latency benefits.
• In-Building & Remote Connectivity Challenges: Why satellite tech isn’t for skyscrapers—but excels where towers don’t reach.
• Cybersecurity & Satellite Resilience: How satellites defend against interference, spoofing, and geopolitical tensions.
• Future of Direct-to-Device & Beamforming: The race to make satellites more like your local LTE tower—but in the sky.

Key Takeaways:

• LEO = low latency; GEO = capacity workhorse; MEO = GPS backbone; RIO = future of direct-to-device.
• Satellite is no longer just a backup—it's a dynamic part of modern hybrid networks.
• With beamforming, 5G, and evolving interoperability, satellites are becoming smarter, faster, and more agile.

This recording is just one of over 150 sessions from IWCE. Want access to the full conference experience—including expert panels, technology briefings, and hands-on solution demos?

➡️ Buy the IWCE Digital Pass to stream every session. The digital pass will be active through june 30, 2025!

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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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In this episode, we take you inside the halls of BAPCO 2025 in Coventry —the event that really kicks off the public safety tech calendar for the year. From groundbreaking AI and control room innovations to the growing buzz around mission-critical broadband, We feature on-the-ground insights and commentary from the vendors shaping the future of public safety. Plus, we share our key takeaways from a show full of cautious optimism. Direct updates from major vendors including:

• Motorola Solutions – GuardianX branding, Call Assist AI, officer-initiated facial recognition, and a connected motorbike
• Hexagon – Browser-based control tools, VR experiments, and a unified platform approach
• Frequentis – Their growing UK presence, control room integration, and role in the ESN consortium
• NEC (formerly SSS) – Exciting AI-driven control room features and expanded mobile capabilities
• Zetron – Soft-launch of their UK-focused CAD platform and global AI aspirations

We also touch on:

• AI usage across the control room – practical uses, guardrails, and the human-in-the-loop approach
• The ESN relaunch – What’s different this time and why there's real momentum behind it
• Gaps still needing attention – notably, the device ecosystem and end-user readiness

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