Omdia Crit Comms Circle

In this episode, we listen in to a live recorded session from IWCE 2024 on the topic of transitioning to NG911 capabilities, what PSAPs need to upgrade.The session featured an all-star panel consisting of Jeremy Hill, CPE , 9-1-1 Program Specialist and Public Safety Advisor at the NTIA Office of Public Safety Communications; Fabricio Velez , Director of Interoperability and Industry Standards at INdigital; and Steven Raucher , CEO at RapidDeploy.In my absence due to last minute illness, the session was ably chaired by Chris Moore from Comcast.The session touches on how the major requirements for NG911 can be met, as well as where the opportunities and key application areas are for public safety agencies.Get the IWCE DIgital PassIWCE 2024 has come to an end now, but welcomed more than 3,800 members of the mission and business critical communities. The show saw 4 days pakced full of conference sessions, with more than 115 hours of content across panels, keynote speakers, and presentations from the Emerging Tech & Innovation Theatre.If you want to access all of the recordings from the event itself, the IWCE Digital Pass is now available. These recordings are available through to June 28th 2024, so sign up now to make the most of these asessions while available.Find out more about the WICE DIgital Pass here:https://iwce.informatech.com/2024/index/registrations/If you were there in-person at IWCE, you have access to all of the recordings as part of your pass. These can be found here: https://attend.informatechevents.virtual.informatech.com/c/iwce-eventsHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we cover some of the highlights from the recent BAPCO 2024 trade show and we hear directly from vendors about what you would have seen if you had been there, and where they see the industry heading.A special thank you to those vendors that participated in this episode, allowing our listeners who weren't able to make it to BAPCO 2024 an insight into what they missed, and an insight into where the industry s heading.Thank you to NICE, Sepura, BT/EE, Samsung, Tait, Airbus and Motorola Solutions for participating in this episode where we trialled something a little different for you!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we talk with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service on the cruciality of communications in an emergency response, and how they’ve navigated challenges in this critical communications space.Specifically, we talk with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer, Callum Faint, on what his new role as board chair for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Digital, Technology and Cyber Board will mean for Fire and Rescue Services in the future. We hear about the latest Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) roadmap for fire services is being driven to ensure greater efficiencies can be found amoung fire and rescue services across the UK, and we hear how Leicestershire FRS have implemented a new mobilising system, including some of the challenges that had to be overcome, and advice for others who may be in a similar position.Our guest on this episode, Callum Faint, transferred to Leicestershire Fire and rescue Service in July 2019 as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer, he was then subsequently promoted to Chief Fire Officer in September of 2020 and in a short timeline Callum not only led the Service through the COVID-19 pandemic but also improved the Services performance and culture, with significant improvements across almost all gradings of inspection. Even more recently, Callum has been appointed as the Digital, Technology and Cyber board chair for the National Fire Chiefs Council.Find out more about the NFCC DDaT here: https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/data-portal/Find our more about Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service here: https://leics-fire.gov.uk/Please check out Omdia's Emerging Critical Tech & Innovation Survey in partnership with IWCE:https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7695058/e898235f6849The survey should only take 10 minutes to complete. All participants will receive a free summary, and all IWCE participants who complete the survey will be invited to a session where the results will be shared in-person by myself and Ildefonso de la Cruz.Please share with colleagues and customers and let's gauge the voice of the industry together!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we explore the forefront of critical communications in the emergency response sector by discussing the process a national organization went through to procure and roll out a critical communication solution that will be used nationwide.Specifically, we talk about the Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) and how they rolled out the new Mobile Data & Vehicle Solution (MDVS) to Ambulance Trusts in England and Wales.The ARP have managed the ‘Airwave Service’ for ambulance trusts in England and Wales since 2005, so this includes the Radios, Mobile Data, Networks, and Control Room Systems used to communicate with operational crews. The technology is now undergoing a replacement programme, working with multiple suppliers, with this programme being led by ARP and funded by the Department for Health and Social Care. The MDVS rollout program is currently ongoing, beginning in April 2023 with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and planned to end December 2024. By the end of December 2023 the program had rolled out the mobile data and vehicle solution to more than 999 ambulances.We are joined by Stuart Murphy, Stuart is the Senior Program Manager at the Ambulance Radio Program, and has over 25 years of experience in the delivery, national procurement, design, testing and service management of enterprise wide solutions across the health sector. Since joining the Ambulance Radio Programme in 2015, he has played a key role in their national procurement efforts. Before the Mobile Data & Vehicle Solution, he led a multi-discipline team on the design, build and testing of the Control Room Solution (CRS) up to 2021. He then began work on completing the pilot and now successful live delivery of the MDVS (Mobile Data Vehicle Solution) rollout which started in April 2023.Find out more about the Ambulance Radio Program here: https://ambulanceradioprogramme.nhs.uk/Please check out Omdia's Emerging Critical Tech & Innovation Survey in partnership with IWCE:https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7695058/e898235f6849The survey should only take 10 minutes to complete. All participants will receive a free summary, and all IWCE participants who complete the survey will be invited to a session where the results will be shared in-person by myself and Ildefonso de la Cruz.Please share with colleagues and customers and let's gauge the voice of the industry together!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic landscape of private networks, exploring their transformative impact on telecommunications. We are joined by Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President at NTT Group, with over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. The discussion unfolds with an overview of private networks, their growing role in critical infrastructure, and their facilitation of LTE and 5G adoption.Connect with Shahid here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-ahmed-472440/Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

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 2024. We're joined by:Ildefonso de la Cruz, Principal Analyst at OmdiaDonny Jackson, Editor at IWCE's Urgent CommunicationsErin LeMoine, Event Lead for IWCECheck out Omdia's "Physical Security and Critical Communications Trends to Watch 2024" document here:https://omdia.tech.informa.com/insights/2024/physical-security-and-critical-communications-trends-to-watch-2024Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we take a look back at what's occurred in 2023 that's impacted the critical communications industry. We start with looking at macro economic trends and the effect they've had on the industry, and then talk about some of the important developments within the critical communications industry that we've seen impact this market.To help cover everything that's happened we're joined by Ildefonso de la Cruz, Principal Analyst at Omdia; Donny Jackson, Editor at IWCE's Urgent Communications; and Erin LeMoine, Event Lead for IWCE.Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we explore the legal and regulatory aspects regarding the realisation of Quality of Service, Priority and Pre-emption (QPP) in commercial networks.We are joined by two esteemed representatives from TCCA, Nina Myren and Johna Levin, who help walk us through the findings of the recently published whitepaper.Please do check out the white paper here: https://tcca.info/documents/September-23_LRWG_QPP_whitepaper.pdf/Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we discuss the latest Omdia videos recorded by Paul Bremner and Ildefonso de la Cruz.We hear Ildefonso reviewing next generation critical communication networks and discussing the significant shift in the critical communications market. Then we hear Paul outline key trends and disruptors impacting the control room market before reviewing how AI will impact control rooms.Videos discussed on today's episode:Ildefonso De La Cruz Morales reviews next gen critical communications networksIldefonso De La Cruz Morales on the significant shift in the critical communications marketPaul Bremner reviews key trends and disruptors that are impacting the control room marketPaul Bremner answers how AI will impact the control room industryHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.comread less

In this episode, we focus on the human factors behind the technology, and understanding how human-decision making works is absolutely paramount in improving decison-making in high-stress environments.We are joined by Bart van Leeuwen, Situational Awareness Master Instructor, Keynote Speaker, Owner at Netage B.V., and Fire Captain. Bart’s unique combination of experiences across the fire industry, IT industry and academia allows him to provide a fresh perspective on issues involving data usage and human factors. Join us for a fascinating discussion where I took 3 key lessons: The implementation of technology starts with human factorsWhat is technically possible is not always usefulHigh cognitive workloads in high-stress scenarios impacts multiple areas Connect wth Bart here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartvanleeuwen76/Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we explore the world of technology consulting with a focus on our expertise in the critical communicaitons industry and why clients turn to us for their consulting needs.We are joined by Niall Jenkins, Principal Consultant leading Omdia's custom research and advisory services for the government sector.If you're curious about custom research and consultancy, this episode is a must listen. We cover:Omdia's expertise in technology consultingFocused on the critical communications industryWith a wide range of research topics covered in the government sectorCustom research and consulting capabilitiesAssess, advance, and amplify categoriesStrong emphasis on access to domain expertsClient engagement Tailored projects include marekt sizing, strategic consulting, and thought leadershipHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we delve into the critical world of disaster management as we preview an upcoming Disaster Management Virtual Symposium. With three focused sessions on planning, response, and recovery, our guests share insights into the symposium's objectives, key topics, and expert speakers.Discover the latest strategies, technologies, and success stories in the field of disaster management and learn how you can get involved in shaping a resilient future. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just curious about disaster preparedness, this episode offers valuable information you won't want to miss.In this episode we're joined by:Alfonso de la Cruz, Principal Analyst at OmdiaDonny Jackson, Editor at IWCE's Urgent CommunicationsMichelle Havich, Editor at American City & CountyAndy Castillo, Editor at American City & CountyRegister for the free Disaster Management Symposium here: https://informatech.tradepub.com/free/w_defa5134/Date: November 8th, 2023 | 10AM- 1PM (PT)Tune in to stay informed and make a difference in your community's disaster readiness!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we are joined by the Verizon Frontline team to dispel five common myths in the mission critical market which can mislead public safety decision makers.We're joined by Cory Davis, who serves as the National Director for the Verizon Response & Public Safety Operations team, and Arshdeep Sawhney, the Director of Product Management for the Public Sector portfolio in Verizon Business Group.The myths we cover in this episode include:#1 There is a federally mandated public safety network#2 Agencies are mandated to use one specific carrier only#3 Only one carrier has "always on" priority features#4 Wireless carriers can have 100% of their sites backed up by permanent generators#5 Wireless carrier networks are not secureConnect with our guests on LinkedIn here:Cory Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corywdavis/Arshdep Sawhney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshdeep-sawhney-aa473027/Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show? Interested in joining as a guest?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we cover a range of topics including the latest highlights from APCO, the upcoming research from Omdia, a couple of industry news items, and the call for speakers for IWCE.We're joined by Alfonso de la Cruz, Principal Analyst at Omdia, and Donny Jackson, Editor of Urgent Communications.Please do check out the IWCE Call for Speaker submission page, found here: https://iwceexpo.com/call-for-speakersHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we focus on the need to scale control rooms for large events and how an as-a-Service approach can facilitate this.We are joined by Karl Price and Bernat Elias from Frequentis. Karl is the public safety CAD manager at Frequentis, with more than 28 years experience in the emergency services sector. Bernat is the LifeX as-a-Service business manager and has over 15 years experience in the IT industry. Combined, Karl and Bernat share their thoughts on why control rooms must be able to be scaled easily.Some key points I took away from our fascinating conversation:The scaling up of emergency services includes not only onsite responses but also managing overflow calls from remote locations.The shift to as-a-Service models enables organisations to scale up and roll back operations smoothly in the event of unplanned scenarios.The transition to as-a-Service and cloud-based operations requires a change in mindset from traditional in-house control room setups. This includes changes at all levels of an organisation!The change in mindset should involve a shift in technical, legal, and financial perspectives. On the technical side, service providers take over system maintenance and security. Legally, the terms and conditions of the contract change due to the shift in responsibilities. Financially, the budgeting model switches from a capital expenditure (CAPEX) model to an operational expenditure (OPEX) model.Cloud solutions offer flexibility and can accomodate workers in multiple locations, making it easier for emergency services personnel to do their jobs from anywhere.You can find out more about the Frequentis public safety portfolio here:https://www.frequentis.com/en/public-safetyHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode we explore one of the biggest challenges in incident response today: access to real-time information. We talk with Motorola Solutions about the Connected Vehicle which addresses this challenge directly by integrating multiple technologies together to provide officers with relevant information on the existing screen in the vehicle.We are joined by Ian Williams from Motorola Solutions.Ian spent the weeks before CCW touring Motorola Solutions’ Connected Vehicle across Europe and he joins us to talk about the technology used in the Connected Vehicle itself. The vehicle serves as a hub of integrated technology, including advanced cameras, voice command systems, radios, video analytics, and body-worn integration. This integration provides officers with a comprehensive picture of both the inside and outside world, enabling safer and more efficient decision-making.Five key benefits from the Connected Vehicle were raised in this episode: Safety: The connected vehicle technology offers enhanced safety features for police officers. It allows for better communication and access to information, which can help officers make informed decisions and respond more effectively to situations.Additional Information: The connected vehicle provides access to additional information that would otherwise not be possible to have. This includes real-time surveillance video, location tracking, and integration with other devices and systems.Comfort: The connected vehicle's design minimizes protruding equipment in the cabin, creating a more comfortable environment for officers. This is particularly important considering the amount of equipment officers already carry, such as radios, ballistic vests, firearms, and tasers.Efficiency and Covert Operations: The connected vehicle's design allows for more efficient use of vehicles. It can be used as both a covert and standard vehicle, providing flexibility for police operations. Additionally, the use of hire vehicles with installed equipment offers cost-saving benefits for police forces.Future Impact: The adoption of connected vehicles is likely to increase in the future. The technology can be used to handle the increasing amount of CCTV and video data in policing, improving efficiency in processing and sharing this information.You can find out more about the Connected Vehicle here: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_xa/products/connected_vehicle.htmlHave a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode we welcome Jan Petter Lie, President for the European Business at Cyviz, a solutions provider for dynamic control rooms in mission-critical environments. With his extensive experience in creating flagship innovation centres, collaboration spaces, and customer-facing environments, Jan Petter offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of control room design.Unlike traditional technology vendors, Cyviz takes a holistic approach, integrating subsystems at a hardware level to create control rooms that are more than just the sum of their parts. We delve into the limitations of the traditional approach to control room design, emphasizing the need to align design with operational requirements rather than starting solely from a technological standpoint.The conversation explores the impact of digitalization on control rooms and how organizations are adapting to handle increased data consumption and dynamic workflows. Jan Petter emphasizes the importance of involving control room operators and stakeholders early in the design process to ensure the space meets their operational needs and enables better decision-making.We highlight some of Cyviz's past projects, including the Special Olympics World Games 2019 Master Operations Center, the Acute Medical Command Center in Alesund, and the Renewable Energy Control Room for Tronder Energy. These examples demonstrate the value of future-proof, standardized control room solutions that can adapt as needs change.Discover how embracing innovation and fostering a culture of change can transform control room environments, enhance efficiency, and empower operators. Whether you're interested in secure control rooms, digital transformation, or the future of control room design, this episode provides valuable insights from an industry leader.Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode we share some of our key highlights from CCW 2023, product announcements that caught our eye, and what we learned from the show this year.The theme this year was "Success in Cooperation", reflecting the fact that five nations - Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Estonia - acted as hosts. This theme was further emphasised by the increased number of organisations participating and the cooperative effort seen througout the event.A major topic of discussion from the event was the transition from narrowband networks to broadband networks for mission critical communications. This transition is complex and time-consuming, requiring strategic alignment among different stakeholders. The timeline for this transition that emerged from the presentations seems to be set, perhaps optimistically, for the early 2030s.We also discuss some of the ICCA award winners, some of the devices we saw, the demos, and the sessions attended and hosted.CCW 2024 will be held in Dubai between the 14-16th May. See you there!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode we talked with Airbus DS SLC about Europe's transition from narrowband to broadband critical communications, and how best to bridge the gap.We are joined by Marja van der Kruk and Eric Davalo from Airbus DS SLC. Marja van der Kruk is Key Account Manager Public Safety and Strategic Sales at Airbus Secure Land Communications (SLC) and responsible for next generation mission critical communications & situational awareness solutions.Eric Davalo joined Airbus in 2004 and has been in charge of various positions in Secured Communications, Intelligence and Cyber Security markets including strategy, marketing, portfolio management, standardization, regulation, business development, general management and technology initiatives. He is now in charge of sales, program and services delivery in Europe for Airbus Secure Land Communications portfolio.In the evolution towards broadband mission critical communication networks, we are at an inflection point in the market, with multiple initiatives ongoing. Airbus DS SLC has many years’ experience managing large scale narrowband networks, and has been selected as a key industry partner by countries like Finland and France to help lead their transition towards a nationwide broadband network. It is clear that a strong customer-focus will be key in successfully bridging the gap here.You can find out more about Airbus DS SLC here: https://www.securelandcommunications.com/Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com

In this episode, we are joined by Benoit Vivier and Freddie McBride to hear about the highlights and key messages to take away from the recent EENA 2023 conference.Key discussion points included:Cloud-based solutions and cybersecurity: EENA 2023 further highlighted the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions. Components of NG112 and AI chatbots are now being provided through the cloud as SaaS-based services. Cybersecurity has become a major concern for emergency communication services, driving the shift towards technology as a service.Call taker well-being: There is a need to discuss and address the emotional and psychological well-being of call takers working in high-stress environments. We talk about one session in particular at the conference, led by Dr. Michelle Lilly from the University of Illinois, which emphasized the importance of proper leadership and a supportive work culture.The 2G/3G shutdown: EENA 2023 featured discussions on the challenges posed by the 2G/3G shutdown and the transition to packet-switched technologies. The European Accessibility Act sets deadlines for real-time text and total conversation capabilities, requiring member states to submit roadmaps detailing their plans for updating their emergency communication systems.A huge thank you to our guests today, Benoit Viver and Freddie McBride for giving us some insight into EENA 2023 and the fantastic work the organisation continues to do for the European critical communications industry.There is an upcoming event in Brussels on the topic of implementing the regulatory requirements discussed in this episode, happening 19-20th September 2023. Visit eena.org for more information.EENA 2024 will be in Valencia, Spain, April 24-26th, 2024. See you there!Have a topic you’d like to discuss on the show?Get in touch with us at critcommscircle@omdia.com