IHS Industry Survey

IHS are an independent research organization seeking to understand the changing landscape of mission critical communications. One element of our research process is to look at the opinions of end users and understand the current and future challenges that are affecting them.

IHS, the market leader in Land Mobile Radio and Professional Mobile Radio research, is conducting this critical research into the Critical Communications Broadband market. We would like this survey to be completed by respondents who:

• Use an LMR/Mission Critical System to communicate
• Manage and administrate an LMR system
• Influence or make decisions on the selection of LMR communications system(s)

If you fall into any of these categories, we would greatly appreciate 10 minutes of your time to provide us with your opinions on your current technology and future challenges in the industry. Please click here to take the survey

IHS are offering the chance to win one (1) of four (4) $100 Amazon gift cards for those who participate.

We promise to protect all identifying information regarding you and your company or organization. The purpose of this research is to get a representative view of LMR users like you.

Thank you very much for your time.

The current and future use of unmanned aerial systems

Part three of your complimentary newsletter series, providing you with exclusive access to interviews with our expert speakers, is here!

This latest edition focuses on the current and future use of unmanned aerial systems, featuring interviews with:

• Andrew Schroeder, Director of Research & Analysis, Direct Relief International
• Captain Tom Cowper, New York State Police

DOWNLOAD YOUR FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES INTELLIGENCE REPORT HERE

 

Critical communications sector welcomes WRC-15 public safety spectrum resolution

World Radiocommunication Conference delivers first recommendation in the history of the ITU-R  for a global harmonised spectrum range for mobile broadband services to support the Public Safety and Emergency Services

Geneva, Switzerland, 25 November 2015:  The increasing need for harmonised frequency ranges for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) communications has been recognised in a highly significant resolution agreed by the 196 nations participating in the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) concluding this week in Geneva. Harmonised spectrum for critical communications enhances interoperability and cost effective cross-border collaboration, resulting in more effective response during disasters and major events.

The WRC 2015 Resolution 646  takes into consideration ‘the growing telecommunication and radiocommunication needs of public protection agencies and organisations, including those dealing with emergency situations and disaster relief, that are vital to the maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property, disaster relief and emergency response.’  The Resolution 646, which is an international agreement under UN/ITU, encourages administrations to use harmonised frequency ranges for PPDR to the maximum extent possible, and to consider the frequency range 694-894 MHz when undertaking national planning for PPDR applications, highlighting broadband in particular.

This underlines that although narrowband and wideband systems will continue to be used to meet PPDR requirements, there is a growing need for broadband applications to support improved data and multimedia capabilities. These require higher data rates and higher capacity, and appropriate spectrum from this harmonised range may need to be made available on a national basis.

The WRC Resolution 646 recognises that many administrations wish to promote interoperability and interworking between communications systems used for PPDR, both nationally and for cross-border operations in emergency situations and for disaster relief.  Clearly defined frequency ranges enable improved spectrum management and planning. Harmonised spectrum increases the potential for interoperability and standardisation of equipment. The resulting economies of scale in terms of research, development and manufacturing lead to a more cost-efficient and competitive market.

“In today’s world, the need for cross-border cooperation among PPDR agencies has never been more apparent,” said Phil Kidner, CEO of critical communications sector’s representative the TCCA. “Many, many organisations responsible for delivering and supporting PPDR emergency response have been working for several years to secure harmonised spectrum for critical broadband applications. We would like to thank the spectrum regulators of the world for this Resolution – it is a treaty between the 196 UN countries and therefore a very important global step.”

The Resolution 646 is a significant first step and efforts on both regional and national levels are needed to reach the objective – internationally harmonised spectrum is dedicated at national level. Several countries have allocated spectrum already, including Australia, Canada, France, Korea and the USA. Each of those took the decision as direct result of natural disasters or terrorist attacks, and all are in alignment with this Resolution.

For Europe, the next step is for the CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations), which represents 48 European countries, to complete the ongoing work and reach an ECC Decision. The CEPT decision is expected in the first half of 2016.
The European Commission is also committed to ensuring that sufficient spectrum is made available under harmonised conditions.

Note to Editors:

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) are held every three to four years under the United Nation’s ITU-R Union. It is the job of the WRC to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous WRCs. The general scope of the agenda of WRCs conferences is established four to six years in advance, with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference, with the concurrence of a majority of Member States.

For more information about the TCCA, please visit www.tandcca.com
Contact information: editor@tandcca.com

What are the current cyber security threats facing the critical communications industry?

As part of the launch of Critical Communications World’s Cyber Security, Data Applications & Control Rooms and Future Technologies zones, we are releasing a complimentary three part newsletter providing you with exclusive interviews we carried out with our expert speakers and market intelligence provided by IHS.

Part one focuses on the current cyber security threats facing the critical communications sector. Access three exclusive interviews with:

• Charles Brookson, Chairman, ETSI Cyber Working Group
• Dr Evangelos Ouzounis, Head of Secure Infrastructure and Services Unit, ENISA
• Talal Rajab, Programme Manager – Cyber, techUK

DOWNLOAD YOUR CYBER SECURITY REPORT

What kind of Critical Communications networks and services can the next generation of users expect to access?

 

At Critical Communications World, 31st May – 2nd June 2016, RAI Amsterdam we will be looking at how Mission Critical Communications end user requirements are evolving today, for tomorrow and the next decade. The programme will also closely evaluate how to get the most from existing TETRA networks, sharing best practice with Users from around the world and monitoring the development of Mission Critical Mobile Broadband. DOWNLOAD PREVIEW BROCHURE

You may have questions about how TETRA and LTE will co-exist for Mission Critical Users. What will be the voice and data requirements for Users in the short, medium and long term and how will these needs be met by existing infrastructure and forthcoming investments? Also, what is the future for TETRA?

LATEST REPORT FROM I.H.S

Latest findings from I.H.S suggests that “the use of LTE in private cellular networks is projected to grow tenfold between 2014 and 2019”

“Not only is LTE is being chosen in many regions as the technology for commercial cellular communication but it is now also being considered as a future broadband standard for critical communications users; the option of private LTE networks already a reality.

IHS has recently produced an in-depth analysis of the rapidly growing broadband market in critical communications for the next five years. A key finding from the research is that the use of LTE in private cellular networks is projected to grow tenfold between 2014 and 2019.
Although IHS forecasts that, long-term, the majority of private networks will migrate to LTE, the transition will be slower than previously projected. WiMAX will ultimately be displaced both in private LTE markets and commercial cellular market” (I.H.S, 2015).

>> DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE

To get your questions answered and to understand more about the future of networks and services join us for Critical Communications World, 31st May – 2nd June 2016, RAI Amsterdam.

Middle East and Africa region promises consistent growth in critical communications

Source: Middle East and Africa region promises consistent growth in critical communications

Middle East and Africa region promises consistent growth in critical communications

5 October 2015 – Dubai: Market growth of more than 13 per cent in the installed base of active narrowband radios in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is forecast by global industry analysts IHS. The strength of the market is demonstrated by the increasing success of the Critical Communications Middle East event, which opens today in Dubai.

IHS predicts that digital narrowband technologies such as TETRA will achieve this significant growth in the MEA region over the next three years, and will account for 65 per cent of the installed base of terminals by 2019.

“The Middle East is setting the pace for the evolution of critical communications,” said Phil Kidner, CEO of the TCCA , the critical communications industry organisation. “The increasing popularity of this event, now in its third year, shows the ongoing potential for TETRA in this region, particularly in vertical markets such as transport, oil and gas, and utilities. This event brings the industry together within the region as well as attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the world.”

“The Middle East has been a consistently strong growth region for higher-end technologies like TETRA across all vertical sectors, including public safety and security and industrial sectors, and we expect this trend to continue,” said Elizabeth Mead, Senior Analyst, Critical Communications, IHS.

“The Middle East region has always been faced with serious security challenges, especially in the past few years. Technology has played a key role in keeping our countries safe, and TETRA is one of those technologies that delivers on all critical needs,” said Ahmad Alwajih, Managing Director, International Gulf Engineering Consultancy Bureau (IGB). IGB is based in Abu Dhabi and is a member of the TCCA.

As well as the ongoing demand for narrowband critical communications services, demand for broadband data services is also increasing as users expect more sophisticated and high-bandwidth applications on their networks.  In the short- to mid-term, IHS expects LMR technologies including TEDS to gain traction, with options potentially created to move to private LTE at a later stage, and LTE gaining traction in some MEA nations in the mid-term.

 

About the TCCA

The TCCA represents TETRA, the most successful mission critical communications voice and narrowband data mobile standard in the world. With TEDS supporting wideband data, we work to further the development of the standard and promote its increasing adoption by professional users in a growing number of market sectors across all continents. For critical broadband data communications, we are driving the development of common global mobile standards.  For more information please visit www.tandcca.com

 

Contact:

editor@tandcca.com

+ 44 (0) 77 66 33 32 77

 

Critical Communications Middle East – Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, the Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security, Dubai, will be opening the conference and exhibition with a Keynote Address

 Celebrating the Year of Innovation in the UAE

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
Conference 5 -7 October 2015
Exhibition 6 – 7 October 2015

 

The 3rd Annual Critical Communications Middle East 6 – 7 October, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai is delighted to announce Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, the Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security, Dubai, will be opening the conference and exhibition with a Keynote Address.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim will be presenting in the main conference hall at 10.20am on 6th October at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. The Keynote Address will be free for all to attend so please register now.

Register Free Exhibition Pass

Other speakers at the event include:

• Dr Khalid Almarri, Communications Director, Dubai Police
• Colonel Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi, CIO, Dubai Police
• Jarmo Vinkvist, CEO, Suomen Virveverkko Oy
• Jonathan Lewin, Deputy Chief, Chicago Police
• Bassam Almaharmeh, Chief Information Security Officer, Jordan Ministry of Interior
• Said Madoun, Head of Telecom Services, Groupement Timimoun

With visitor registrations for this years event already way ahead of all previous years and the exhibition 30% larger, it looks set to be an outstanding event. Make sure you do not miss out. Register for your free exhibition pass here

Useful Links
View full list of speakers here
Download Brochure

TCCA announces enhanced testing process for new applications and services over TETRA networks

Increasing demand for and development of applications over TETRA secure voice and data networks has added a new benefit to the world-leading TETRA Interoperability Testing and Certification Process (IOP). The TCCA has announced the introduction of a formal testing process for the TETRA Peripheral Equipment Interface (PEI) that will accelerate the introduction of new services over TETRA.

The TETRA IOP is the strict, independent and tightly controlled process developed and managed by the TCCA to ensure a truly open and interoperable multi-vendor market. This brings proven benefits to users such as choice of equipment and supplier, continuous development of new products, increased product functionality and improved price performance. For manufacturers, it eliminates different and incompatible implementations of the TETRA standard, and provides a formal compatibility test forum.

The rapidly expanding TETRA ecosystem has led to an increasing number of manufacturers and application developers looking for assured compatibility of peripheral equipment to deliver extended value on TETRA networks and terminals. The approval of TETRA PEI testing by the TCCA Technical Forum (TF) means that TETRA terminal manufacturers are now able to obtain an official IOP Certificate showing that their implementation of the PEI protocol stack is compliant to the ETSI TETRA PEI standard. This certificate will not only help the terminal manufacturers, but also the application developers, operators and users who have invested in TETRA.

“The IOP process has created a large global TETRA market place which in turn has driven up functionality and driven down prices. This latest addition to interoperability testing will further benefit both manufacturers and users,” said Phil Kidner, CEO of the TCCA.

Users can be confident that products awarded an IOP certificate have been rigorously tested for conformance, and that the functions listed in the certificate fully meet the TETRA standard. This allows users selecting equipment from a number of suppliers to reduce the amount of system integration and testing.

The Technical Forum (TF) provides a general forum for technical knowledge exchange. It develops and oversees the TETRA IOP and coordinates user and operator input with ETSI, which maintains the TETRA standard. All TETRA IOP testing is carried out by the independent testing house ISCOM. TCCA members can now request an IOP test session for testing the PEI. The testing can be done either in a dedicated PEI test session, or as part of another test session for the TETRA Air Interface or Direct Mode Interface. After each session, the testing house analyses the test results and issues a detailed official IOP Certificate. Test schedules and certificates are posted on www.tandcca.com.

About the TCCA

The TCCA represents TETRA, the most successful mission critical communications voice and narrowband data mobile standard in the world. Now available with TEDS supporting wideband data, we support the further development of the standard and promote its increasing adoption by professional users in a growing number of market sectors across all continents. For critical broadband data communications, we are driving the development of common global mobile standards.  For more information please visit www.tandcca.com

Contact:

editor@tandcca.com
+ 44 (0) 77 66 33 32 77

LTE and TETRA: What we want versus what we need

For the majority of public safety networks on the planet, TETRA has been the premier choice and considering the technologies, it is easy to see why. It is for many, the most robust, resilient and flexible choice, offering higher capacity than its competitors and more recently, enhanced applications to allow emergency responders to do the best job they can in ensuring the public’s wellbeing and safety.

It has been the first choice for the last 15 years and this is set to grow with leading market research firm IHS predicting market growth in all regions of the globe for the coming years. The Germany National TETRA Network Project is the largest of its kind worldwide, and other countries are also looking to upgrade or develop their own TETRA networks. However it seems as though TETRA is not the final solution for mission critical communications. The consumer-led thirst for data and mobile broadband has become contagious, with emergency services personnel now asking why their children can do more on their smart phone than they can do on their professional handset or in their vehicle even with TETRA’s enhanced applications.

LTE has emerged as a long term possible replacement for TETRA in this age of mobile broadband and data. LTE offer unrivalled broadband capabilities for such applications as body warn video streaming, digital imaging, automatic vehicle location, computer-assisted dispatch, mobile and command centre apps, web access, enriched e-mail, mobile video surveillance apps such as facial recognition, enhanced Telemetry/remote diagnostics, GIS and many more. However, Phil Kidner, CEO of the TCCA pointed out recently that it will take many LTE releases to get us to the point where LTE can match TETRA on key features such as group working, pre-emptive services, network resilience, call set-up times and direct mode.

The result being, we are at a point where we have two technologies, one offering what end users want, and the other offering what end users need. This has altered the discussion, where now instead of looking at LTE as a replacement, we can look at LTE as a complimentary technology, used alongside TETRA to give end users the best of both worlds. Now the challenge appears to be how we can integrate TETRA and LTE to meet the needs and wants of our emergency services, and it seems that if we want to look for guidance and lessons on the possible harmony of TETRA and LTE we should look at the Middle East.

The 3^rd annual Critical Communications Middle East will attack this theme head on in early October.  The region saw the very first public safety LTE network deployed in Qatar, something that Ged Robinson, Senior Advisor of the Qatar Ministry of Interior will be discussing. We will also hear from the Dubai Police on their own LTE network for enhanced data and how it compliments their TETRA network for mission critical communications. Jarmo Vinkvist CEO of Suomen Virveverkko, national authority TETRA operator in Finland, will outline his 15 year road map for TETRA and LTE and key industry leaders such as Airbus, Motorola, Nokia, Sepura, Teltronic (a Sepura Company) and the regional network operator Nedaa will give their insight and opinions on the development of a hybrid network.

Critical Communications Middle East will go out to answer the industries burning questions and give us a clear understanding on what the future holds for critical communications. It promises to be a must attend event, I just hope you can make it.