Omdia Crit Comms Circle

In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative trends in critical communications and enterprise markets—digital transformation. This discussion unpacks how digitalization is reshaping mission-critical industries, including public safety, utilities, and transportation, and the key design principles enabling this shift: cloud-native and automation.

To help tackle this topic we are joined by Prakash Sadagopan, Global Head of Enterprise, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. As the leader for Enterprise business, Prakash is responsible for Go-to-market initiatives and Business transformation to deliver digital transformation outcomes to Enterprise Customers globally.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital transformation is no longer optional—it is a necessity for mission-critical organizations.
• Cloud-native designs, automation, and AI-driven efficiencies are the pillars of modern critical communication networks.
• Trust and security remain top priorities, and a zero-trust approach is crucial in today’s evolving landscape.
• Organizations must start their transformation journey with scalable, adaptable solutions that ensure long-term resilience and agility.

Learn more about Nokia’s approach to digital transformation: www.nokia.com/industries/core-enterprise-solutions/

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In this episode, we highlight some of the recent findings from Omdia's latest market research covering the Broadband Critical Communications and the Body Worn Camera & DEMS markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Get Involved: Participate in the Emerging Critical Tech and Innovation Survey 2025. Your input will shape industry insights and help bridge the gap between vendors and end users.
• Evolving Market: The transition to broadband in critical communications is a methodical evolution, with critical milestones expected by the early 2030s.
• AI and Video Tech: The integration of AI in video management (e.g., automated transcription) is revolutionizing the use of body-worn cameras in both public safety and commercial sectors.

Links Mentioned:

• Emerging Critical Tech and Innovation Survey 2025 — Make your voice heard and receive a summary report once we closer the survey.
• British APCO 2025 Event — Join us to hear the initial survey results.
• Omdia's Latest Research Reports — Learn more about Broadband Critical Communications and Body-Worn Cameras.

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In this episode, we explore the transformative - and potentially disruptive - impact of audio deepfake technology in public safety. 

We're joined by Dr. Salma Ait Farès, Technical Research Chair at InterTalk, and James Birchall, Director of Technology at InterTalk.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding Deepfake Technology: We talk about what deepfake technology is, and provide demonstrations of deepfake audio examples that showcase the emotional realism AI can generate.
• Implications for Public Safety: Exploring the potential risks deepfake technology poses to emergency services, including false reports, swatting incidents, and the challenges of detecting synthetic audio without visual cues.
• Ethical and Beneficial Uses: Highlighting positive applications of audio synthesis, such as enhancing accessibility, real-time language translation, and improving dispatcher training in high-stress environments.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about InterTalk: https://intertalksystems.com/
• Register for IWCE 2025 to attend Dr. Farès’ panel discussion: Smart Control Rooms: Detecting Deepfakes and Emotions with AI
• Participate in the 2025 Emerging Critical Technology Survey for critical communications: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8110325/3609a0d72b8d

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In this episode, we explore how Guilford Metro 911 is upgrading its' emergency response through Hexagon's advanced dispatch platform, featuring AI-enhanced collaboration and predictive analytics.

Joining us are Tammy Heaton, Vice President of Customer Success at Hexagon Safety, Infrastructure, and Geospatial Division, and Melanie Jones, Executive Director at Guilford Metro 911 and President of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

Together, we discuss:

• The current landscape of Guilford Metro 911, serving multiple agencies and handling over 728,000 calls annually.
• The challenges of operating a 1990s-era Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• The decision-making process behind selecting Hexagon’s browser-based, AI-enabled platform.
• How AI and modern technology are reshaping workflows, resource allocation, and situational awareness for dispatchers and first responders.
• Lessons learned from the ongoing implementation and key takeaways for others considering CAD upgrades.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Shift to Modern Technology: Guilford Metro’s transition to Hexagon’s AI-powered CAD platform marks a significant upgrade from its decades-old system, enabling better remote access, user-friendly interfaces, and powerful AI capabilities.
2. AI in Action: Hexagon’s platform leverages AI for predictive analysis, trend identification, and real-time decision support, allowing dispatchers to focus on critical tasks without being overwhelmed by redundant calls or data.
3. Collaborative Implementation: A diverse team of stakeholders, including dispatchers, IT specialists, and first responders, ensures the new system aligns with the agency's operational needs.
4. Future-Proofing Emergency Response: AI is already transforming non-emergency call management, freeing up resources for emergencies—a trend poised to grow in the coming years.

Resources & Links:

• Hexagon Public Safety: hxgnpublicsafety.com – Learn more about Hexagon’s OnCall Dispatch platform and other public safety solutions.
• Guilford Metro 911: Follow Guilford Metro 911 on LinkedIn.
• NENA (National Emergency Number Association): Stay updated with NENA initiatives on LinkedIn.

Follow Our Guests:

• Tammy Heaton – Vice President, Hexagon:LinkedIn
• Melanie Jones – Executive Director, Guilford Metro 911: Find Melanie on Facebook at Melanie Jones, RPL, EMP, CPE CMCP.

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In this episode, we take a look at the year ahead and what we're expecting, or wanting, to see for the critical communicaitons industry through 2025.

We're joined by:

• Ildefonso de la Cruz, Principal Analyst, Industrial & Government Critical Communications at Omdia
• Erin LeMoine, Director, Events for Informa Tech Government Portolio
• Donny Jackson, Editor at Urgent Communications
• Mladen Vratonjic, Chairman of the Board, TCCA
• Tero Pesonen, Chairman, Critical Communications Broadband Group, TCCA

Check out Omdia's "2025 Trends to Watch: Smart Infrastructure" document here:
2025 Trends to Watch: Smart Infrastructure

Key topics we discuss for 2025 include:

1. IWCE 2025
   
   • Returning to Las Vegas, March 17-20, 2025, one week earier than usual.
   • New tracks focused on school and campus safety.
   • Networking roundtables and a special Vintage Vegas Reception.
2. Broadband Adoption and Evolution
   • From planning to tendering, 2025 marks a transition from planning stages to actionable implementations for broadband technologies.
   • Service providers' role, telecoms operators are key players in ensuring reliability and security for public safety and critical communications users.
3. Emerging Trends in Technology
   • Body worn cameras and the rise of on-device AI for advanced functionalities like facial recognition and situational awareness.
   • PSAP's and AI, device-driven incidents are pushing AI adoption in control rooms to manage alerts efficiently.
   • Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) potential breakthroughs in adoption and implementation.
4. Industry Mega-Trends
   • 5G expansion supporting critical applications like video, situational awareness, and AI-driven edge communications.
   • NG911 developments, while progress is slow, 2025 could be pivotal for next-generation emergency response systems.
5. Future of Transportation Communications
   • We spotlight FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communicaitons System) and its role in modernizing railway communications.

Resources & Links:

• Trends for 2025 Report: Explore our comprehensive document highlighting key industry forecasts.2025 Trends to Watch: Smart Infrastructure
• IWCE 2025 Details: Visit https://iwceexpo.com/ for more info.
• Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025: Mark your calendars for June in Brussels! https://www.critical-communications-world.com/

2025 promises to be a transformative year for critical communications, with exciting advancements in AI, broadband, and next-gen systems. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into these trends and hear from industry leaders shaping the future.



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In this episode, we take a comprehensive look back at the year 2024, a pivotal year in the critical communications industry. Joined by our colleagues Erin LeMoine and Donny Jackson, we reflect on the significant milestones, trends, and events that shaped the year. From industry conferences and technological innovations to emerging trends like satellite-to-device communications and the continued growth of broadband solutions, we explore it all.

We also celebrate TCCA’s 30th anniversary, recognizing its contributions to standardization and mission-critical communication systems.

"2024 has been a milestone year with significant progress across the globe, setting the stage for an exciting 2025."

As we gear up for 2025, we’re excited about the momentum in the industry and the promising initiatives on the horizon.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. 2024 Market research content and contributions:
   • Published 22 pieces of content, including 8 market databases, 7 market reports, and 6 annual market reports, with our market research spanning topics from M&A analysis, MCX adoption, and ecosystem heatmaps, through to the broadband critical communications market, the command and control room market, and the body worn cameras & DEMS markets.
2. IWCE 2024 Recap:
   • IWCE 2024 in Orlando saw record attendance, with highlights like the next-gen 911 (NG911) showcase as well as the satellite-direct-to-device keynote.
3. Technological advancements:
   • Growth in satellite direct-to-device technology, including initiatives by T-Mobile and Verizon.
   • Evolution of deployable solutions, from backpacks to ruggedized Pelican cases, enhancing first-responder capabilities.
4. Trends and challenges:
   • The transition to broadband and the integration of hybrid solutions.
   • Cybersecurity concerns, supply chain protection, and the importance of resilience in critical networks.
   • The complexity of technological transitions, with examples from AI integration and next-gen 911 implementations.
5. TCCA’s 30th Anniversary:
   • Reflections on three decades of advancing standardized mission-critical technologies.
   • Insights from Mladen Vratonjić and Tero Pesonen on TCCA's achievements and future goals.

Links & Resources:

• Episode 58: Standards-based mission critical solutions become a reality
• TCCA’s 30th Anniversary Press Release: Read More
• IWCE 2025 Event Details: Register Here

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In this episode, we explore the intricacies of command, control, and communication systems designed for situational awareness at large-scale operations, with a special focus on the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Our guest is from the product innovation consultancy, Parallel Systems. Matt Falla joins us, Matt is an RCA-trained interaction designer with a career spanning boutique consulting, consumer electronics, and creative agencies. Matt shares insights from his team's pivotal role in designing and implementing a solution that ensured smooth transport operations and high-end service during one of the world’s most complex mega-events.

Key Topics Covered:

• Background on Paris 2024 Operations: Learn how Matt’s team collaborated with On Location and specialized consultancies to design a transport operations system capable of managing thousands of guests and vehicles across 35 venues, involving 10,500 athletes, 45,000 volunteers, and millions of spectators.
• Challenges in Technology and People Management: Explore the complexity of mapping operational ecosystems, streamlining communication among diverse teams, and overcoming human reluctance toward technology adoption.
• Outcome-Driven Innovation: How focusing on safety, customer experience, and reputation informed the design of protocols and technology to ensure rapid response and seamless operations.
• Designing for Situational Awareness: Discover how tailoring information to the needs of specific roles enhanced decision-making, avoided information overload, and ensured effective communication across all levels of the organization.
• The Role of AI and Visual Tools: Insights into the future of situational awareness, with predictions on how AI and highly visual interfaces will simplify data processing and decision-making.

Lessons Learned:

1. 1. Focus on real-world outcomes and design backward from those goals.
   2. Map the network of roles, relationships, and tasks (ontologies).
   3. Simplify complexity with visual tools.
   4. Deliver consumer-grade user experiences to enhance adoption and efficiency.

Key Quotes:

• “More data doesn’t always mean better decisions. Knowing exactly what the weather is in one square meter won’t necessarily improve situational awareness.”
• “Make it as easy and pain-free as possible to use the system. A well-designed solution should improve both day-to-day tasks and emergency responses.”
• “Think of orchestration: just like in music, you need different instruments for a complete sound but a conductor to focus attention where it’s needed most.”

Learn more about Parallel Systems here: https://parallel.systems/

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In this episode, we dive deep into the unique contributions and ongoing efforts of British APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) within the critical communications industry. Our guest, Duncan Swan, is the Chief Operating Officer at British APCO, with 40 years' experience in public safety technology, focusing on strategic and technical advancements in emergency communications.

The conversation touches on:

• The Significance of British APCO Events: British APCO’s annual event serves as a critical networking and collaboration opportunity for stakeholders across public safety agencies, technology vendors, and operators. Duncan explains how these events set the tone for industry-wide innovations and knowledge sharing.
• British APCO’s Role and Mission: Celebrating over 30 years since its founding, British APCO remains committed to fostering advancements in emergency services technology. As an independent charity, British APCO champions improved emergency services and communication technologies that support both frontline responders and the general public.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Next Generation Communications (NG999): Duncan discusses British APCO’s work on implementing NG999 in the UK, aiming to improve public safety through advanced data and video-sharing capabilities.
  • AI Integration in Public Safety: British APCO is exploring AI applications for improving call response times, non-emergency call handling, and monitoring call quality for training and support.
  • Emergency Services Network (ESN): Updates on the UK’s progress with ESN, which will provide a secure and interoperable network to enhance critical communications for emergency responders.
• International Collaboration through CC:IPS: British APCO’s collaboration with international public safety organizations such as the Collaborative Coalition for International Public Safety (CC:IPS) provides a platform for global knowledge exchange. This coalition helps UK agencies learn from advancements in public safety technology and protocols in other countries, such as AI use in the US and next-gen emergency response systems in Canada and Europe.
• The Path Forward for British APCO: Duncan highlights British APCO’s dedication to data-driven decision-making and supporting agencies through effective technology integration. The organization aims to enhance interoperability among UK emergency services and ensure they’re equipped with the best tools to make timely, informed decisions.

Learn more about BAPCO here: https://www.bapco.org.uk/

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In this episode, we discuss the transormative role of cloud solutions in public safety. We hit on some common misconceptions about cloud migration, break down what multi-tenancy means in a cloud context, and hear actionabe insight for agencies considering cloud migration.

Our guest, Rohan Galloway-Dawkins, is the Chief Product Officer at Versaterm and is responsible for developing an ecosystem of solutions focused on improving workflows for more efficient and effective operations, better service and more just outcomes. Rohan joined Versaterm in February 2022 and brings more than 19 years of experience in the public safety communications and software solutions industry.

Key discussion points:

• Introduction to Versaterm and recent strategic acquisitions and expansions aimed at building a robust ecosystem that serves the entire public safety workflow, from dispatch to judicial processes.
• The power of cloud solutions and some common misconceptions about cloud migration, with emphasis that cloud-based CAD solutions offer the same user experience and functionality as on-premises solutions, but with added benefits in disaster recovery and operational flexibility.
• Understanding multi-tenancy solutions in a cloud context - allowing one application instance to serve multile customers securely and efficiently, and what the advantages are for both vendors and end-users.
• Advice for public safety agencies consdiering cloud migration. Focus on business outcome and user experience, rather than the technical architecture!

Learn more about Versaterm here: https://www.versaterm.com/

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In this episode, we dive into the critical role of international collaboration within public safety and mission-critical communications.

Our guest, Fredrik Ryberg is the Police Inspector and Head of RG2 at the Swedish Police Authority, shares valuable insights on the importance of reliable communications and the next generation of mission-critical communication systems. Fredrik brings over 16 years of experience in law enforcement and represents Sweden in the EU’s Mission Critical Communication Group (MCCG). He discusses Sweden’s communication framework, the transition from the trusted TETRA system to new broadband solutions like 5G, and how international collaboration can strengthen public safety efforts across borders.

Listeners will learn about:

• The structure of the Swedish Police Authority and its reliance on communication networks like Rakel (TETRA).
• The future of mission-critical communications with the transition to Rakel Generation 2 (RG2).
• The role of reliable communications in enabling coordination during emergencies.
• How the Swedish Police is evolving to embrace new technologies like 5G and broadband for enhanced capabilities such as live video streaming and situational awareness.
• The complexities and benefits of collaborating with other agencies, industry partners, and across countries.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Stay informed and involved in public safety communication advancements by attending industry conferences and engaging with experts.
• Recognize the importance of collaboration at multiple levels, from internal teams to international partnerships.
• Embrace new technologies that support better communication and collaboration in mission-critical scenarios.

Learn more about the Swedish Police Authority and RG2 at MSB’s website.
For updates on the EU Mission Critical Communication Group, visit the European Commission’s website.

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