Public Safety Network Enhancements

France is the first in Europe to launch a public safety network that combines a sovereign, state-controlled core with priority roaming across multiple independent public RANs. It is a model of resilience, distinct from the UK’s ESN and the US’ FirstNet, with unique operator diversity, and it embeds a capability to stand up 4G coverage nationally in less than six hours via deployable 4G/5G sites with complete energy autonomy and satellite backhaul. The mission-critical MCX network (known as Réseau Radio du Futur, or RRF) is replacing the legacy Tetrapol system used in France and has developed under a top-down, state-led approach with the (prudent) selection of domestic vendors/system integrators (Airbus and Capgemini) to preserve technological sovereignty and national security. While resilient, the legacy Tetrapol network was hindered by fragmentation, with bespoke systems used by different agencies (problematic when a multi-agency response was required), and lacked modern capabilities like video due to extremely low throughput capability of the 2G-based infrastructure. The agency tasked with operating the new network, ACMOSS, announced this week that Bouygues Telecom's 4G/5G RAN is now live for the RRF platform with priority access and pre-emption, adding a second competing independent mobile network alongside Orange and removing the single-MNO dependency observed in other national public safety networks. The RRF system also provides last resort national roaming capability (although not priority access) to Free and SFR's infrastructure, further enhancing redundancy at the air interface level across different spectrum and site footprints. Based on a full-MVNO architecture anchored in a state-run core, it provides subscription-based priority and pre-emption (QPP) on the host networks while keeping authentication, security, MCX and policy control in the RRF core. This model is similar to MOCN in outcomes but not MOCN technically (yet), since there is no direct RAN sharing, instead, home-routed roaming (S8HR-style) is used, which may add some latency but preserves sovereign control over services and policy. First responder devices use the ATRIA app to pick the best network (can be force-switched if needed). On top of the multi-RAN and sovereign core setup, the RRF stack also includes layered deployables (similar to FirstNet) and direct mode capability for off-network continuity in the most extreme scenarios. Lightweight vehicular kits have been designed to create local "Wi-Fi bubbles" quickly for on-scene operations or in-building ingress with 4G/5G modems, rapid-response assets can project 4G coverage nationally within hours using energy-autonomous units with satellite backhaul and heavier deployable eNB/gNB solutions can sustain wide-area coverage for days. RRF handsets are also paired with a direct-mode accessory (i.e.,DMR) to maintain talk-group comms when there is no cellular service.

Really interesting announcements today from Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) about the ability for emergency calls and security / preparedness communications to connect via #WiFi networks and #OpenRoaming, for resiliency and extra in-building reach. There's a three reports and multiple angles here: - Automated connection of phones and other devices to Wi-Fi for 911 / 999 / 112 calls via OpenRoaming, even if there's normally some other authentication method needed. This is broadly similar to the cross-network roaming for emergency calls across cellular networks, and works irrespective of subscription status - Ability to use #WiFiCalling for #emergency #voice comms. (This is for public calls to emergency services, not for first responders' own critical radio comms) - Prioritisation of public safety and "emergency preparedness" traffic on Wi-Fi networks, despite any network congestion. During critical incidents, there can be a huge surge of traffic, especially if mobile infrastructure is damaged (eg in a hurricane). Being able to dedicate capacity or prioritise usage by key personnel or devices makes both the Wi-Fi network and overall communications more resilient and suitable for first responders. - Better location-awareness and use of the Wi-Fi infrastructure for positioning, especially indoors, and the ability to communicate that to the public-safety dispatchers and systems. Based on a quick scan of the documents, some of these features are dependent on newer #Wi-Fi7 systems, with others designed to function on older variants. In general, I think this is an excellent move - in many emergency situations, Wi-Fi and fixed/fibre networks may be more tolerant of outages than cellular, and there will also be some users with Wi-Fi only devices. It adds to the options for communications and network coverage, and also seems to have been designed in a way to minimise possible user intervention and confusion in stressful situations. However, there will be a need in some cases to have some sort of "emergency profile" included in devices. I'd say this is also a very good way to encourage broader adoption of PassPoint and OpenRoaming by enterprises, building owners, CSPs and device vendors - and could also prompt regulators / policymakers to consider it as mandatory. Lastly, I think this is a step in the right direction to a broader view of emergency communications. As well as different access networks - mobile, fixed, Wi-Fi and soon satellite - I think that there should be a much broader "emergency API" approach, so that calls can be initiated in messaging apps, or even from AI voice platforms, going beyond some limited use of things like smart speakers or in-car eCall today. I'll also be covering emergency aspects of Wi-Fi on my enterprise innovations panel at the WBA #WGCEMEA conference in Paris next week. #publicsafety #firstresponders #criticalcommunications #wifi #telecom #regulation https://lnkd.in/eGkDYVgQ

🚀 New Research Alert on Agentic AI and 6G for Mission-Critical Applications 🌍⚡ Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and with the rise of Agentic AI (AAI), we are witnessing a paradigm shift in how mission-critical public safety applications operate. Traditional AI-powered systems have improved decision-making but still rely on human oversight, leading to potential bottlenecks in high-risk, time-sensitive scenarios. Our latest research "Integration of Agentic AI with 6G Networks for Mission-Critical Applications: Use-case and Challenges" explores how AAI, combined with next-gen 6G networks, can enhance real-time situational awareness, automate emergency responses, and improve resilience in public safety, disaster management, and defense. 🔹 Key Highlights: ✅ A novel multi-layer AAI framework for mission-critical applications ✅ Improved response time (↓ by 5.6 min) and alert generation speed (↓ by 15.6 sec) ✅ Enhanced real-time decision-making, scalability, and adaptability ✅ Challenges around trust, security, and openness of foundational AI models 📖 Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/eGrVSjd8 Sunder Ali Khowaja , Ph.D., Senior Member IEEE| Engin Zeydan|Merouane Debbah|CONNECT Centre|ADAPT Centre|6G Research Center (6GRC)- Khalifa University|Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC)|Faculty of Engineering and Science Munster Technological University (Cork Campus)|Munster Technological University| Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) #AI #6G #AgenticAI #MissionCritical #PublicSafety #EmergingTech #AIforGood #Innovation

The importance of a reliable and secure network is never felt more than during emergency situations such as earthquakes or typhoons. When I look at my region of Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, we have countries that are prone to natural disasters. Typhoons in the Philippines, earthquakes in Indonesia and India, and floods in Thailand and Vietnam. The importance of having resilient networks in these markets cannot be emphasized enough. In crisis situations, being able to communicate with the emergency response teams or friends and family is critical. As per a blog from True, a leading service provider in Thailand, during the recent earthquake in Thailand, outgoing voice calls on the True network in Thailand surged by more than five times, while data usage also increased significantly across the networks. https://lnkd.in/dGcEv9sQ Understandably, Thai people were using social apps to check on the safety of their loved ones, staying connected and accessing real-time news. First responders such as fire-fighters, policemen and medical service personnel need fast, reliable and secure communications to communicate with each other and with impacted communities during emergencies. Post-COVID19 and with the United Nations' goal of delivering last-mile warnings by 2027, enhancing the disaster resilience of telecommunications infrastructure nationwide is increasing becoming important for nations. Public safety is clearly a priority, and resilient networks have a role to play when it comes to delivering warnings on a real time basis at scale. With mission-critical mobile broadband at their disposal, public safety agencies benefit from data-rich services with an expanded ecosystem. This enables efficient cross-agency collaboration, secure transmission of data and enhanced situational awareness during emergencies. E.g, the FirstNet network in the US is a nationwide network for first responders including around 30,000 agencies and millions of connections. With standardized technology, interoperability is achievable amongst agencies and across borders. Our technology is saving lives and keeping critical infrastructure both safe and operational. For first responders and mission-critical sectors including public safety, utilities, rail, and defence, reliability and response times are everything, and these sectors are increasingly looking to embrace 4G and 5G mission-critical network solutions to reap the benefits of digitalization. We are addressing their needs with secure broadband that leverages the capabilities of commercial 5G. By leveraging their existing digital infrastructure, service providers are looking to help public safety and critical infrastructure industries leverage one secure and resilient technology to connect different organizations for critical operations. I do believe that mission critical networks offer a huge potential to provide secure and reliable connectivity across industries. #Ericsson

⛈️ The recent tragic events in Valencia and the public outcry over delayed emergency alerts in Cadaqués, Girona (👉 https://lnkd.in/dvUcbv9q) highlight a critical need for more effective emergency communication systems. While broadcast 📲 SMS messages are a common method, they often fail to reach drivers in time, potentially leading to dire consequences. 𝐓𝐏𝐄𝐆2-𝐄𝐀𝐖: 𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 TPEG2 Emergency Alerts & Warnings (EAW) standard, developed by TISA - Traveller Information Services Association offers a solution. By translating the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) messages from public emergency management authorities into a format compatible with in-vehicle traffic information systems, TPEG2-EAW ensures that critical warnings reach drivers directly in their vehicles. This timely delivery can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and loss of life during extreme weather events. The power of In-Vehicle alerts: 🚗 Immediate notification: drivers receive alerts as soon as they enter a danger zone 🚨 Geofenced warnings: specific alerts can be targeted to affected areas 💬 Multilingual support: information is accessible to a wider audience ✅ A proven solution: a recent trial in Germany, conducted by the German Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK)) in collaboration with mecom Medien-Communications-Gesellschaft mbH and TomTom, demonstrated the effectiveness of TPEG2-EAW. Emergency alerts were successfully transmitted to vehicles, enabling drivers to avoid dangerous situations 👉 Link to press release: https://lnkd.in/dG633pdZ 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 By implementing TPEG2-EAW, we can save lives and reduce the impact of extreme weather events. It's time to prioritise this technology and ensure that drivers receive the critical information they need, when they need it most. 📩 Reach out to FACTUAL if looking to learn more about implementing or promoting the TPEG2-EAW protocol to enhance emergency alerting and improve public safety on the roads. Pere Navarro Olivella Ramon Lamiel i Villaró Estibaliz Olabarri Òscar Llatje i Hierro Ana Blanco Bergareche Susana Gómez Garrido PEDRO TOMÁS MARTÍNEZ Stéphanie Chaufton Matthias Unbehaun #RoadSafety #SeguridadVial #SeguretatViaria #ClimateChange #CambioClimatico #CanviClimatic

Revolutionizing Urban Ecosystems: Integrating PSIM with Smart Cities Infrastructure As cities evolve into intelligent, interconnected hubs, seamless integration between Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platforms and Smart Cities infrastructure becomes paramount. Benefits of Integration 1. Enhanced public safety: Real-time incident management and emergency response. 2. Optimized resources: Efficient allocation and management. 3. Improved infrastructure resilience: Proactive maintenance and adaptability. 4. Data-driven decision-making: Insights for urban planning and development. 5. Elevated citizen experience: Efficient services and enhanced quality of life. Key Integration Areas 1. IoT sensors and data analytics 2. Intelligent transportation systems 3. Energy management and efficiency 4. Public safety and emergency response 5. Smart buildings and infrastructure Critical Roles 1. System Integrators: Designing, implementing, and supporting integrated solutions. 2. Telco Providers: Delivering robust connectivity, network infrastructure, and IoT enablement. 3. Technology Partners: Offering specialized solutions for PSIM, IoT, and Smart City components. Leveraging Emerging Technologies 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Predictive analytics and pattern recognition. 2. Machine Learning (ML): Adaptive incident response and threat detection. 3. Edge Computing: Real-time data processing and reduced latency. 4. Computer Vision: Enhanced surveillance and object detection. Integration Challenges 1. Interoperability: Diverse systems and protocols 2. Data standardization: Consistent formatting and quality 3. Legacy system integration: Upgrading outdated infrastructure 4. Cybersecurity: Protecting interconnected systems 5. Scalability: Accommodating growing data volumes 6. Change management: Aligning stakeholders and processes 7. Budget constraints: Balancing costs and benefits Addressing Privacy and Cybersecurity Challenges 1. Data encryption: Protecting sensitive information 2. Access controls: Ensuring authorized access 3. Anonymization: Safeguarding citizen data 4. Incident response planning: Mitigating cyber threats 5. Compliance: Adhering to data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA) Let's Build Smarter, Safer Cities Together! #SmartCities #PSIM #PhysicalSecurity #UrbanInnovation #PublicSafety #IoT #Sustainability #Cybersecurity #DataProtection #AI #MachineLearning #EdgeComputing #CityPlanning #IntelligentInfrastructure Milestone Systems Genetec Vidsys, Inc. Prysm Software AxxonSoft CNL GEMOS PSIM Advancis Software & Services

Drones and Public Safety: Enhancing Emergency Response and Saving Lives When emergencies strike, every second counts. That's where drones step in as valuable tools in enhancing public safety and emergency response efforts. 🚁🚨These unmanned aerial vehicles are changing the game by providing rapid situational awareness, aiding search and rescue missions, and supporting disaster response teams. Let's explore how drones are saving lives and making a difference in times of crisis: 1️⃣ In search and rescue operations, drones offer a significant advantage in accessing remote or hazardous areas. Equipped with thermal cameras and advanced sensors, drones can quickly scan large areas, identify heat signatures, and locate missing individuals or survivors. 🚁🚑🌟 Their aerial perspective allows them to cover ground much faster than traditional search methods, providing critical information to rescue teams and increasing the chances of successful outcomes. 2️⃣ During natural disasters, drones play a crucial role in damage assessment and disaster response planning. They can swiftly survey affected areas, providing real-time imagery and data on the extent of the damage, infrastructure integrity, and potential hazards. 🌀📡This information helps emergency management teams allocate resources effectively, prioritize response efforts, and develop targeted evacuation plans. 3️⃣ In addition to search and rescue and disaster response, drones are transforming firefighting operations. Equipped with thermal cameras and gas sensors, drones can assess fire behavior, identify hotspots, and monitor the spread of flames. 🚒🔥They provide valuable real-time data to incident commanders, enabling them to make critical decisions about resource allocation, evacuation orders, and firefighter safety. 4️⃣ Furthermore, drones are instrumental in improving public safety during large-scale events and crowded areas. They can monitor crowds, identify potential security threats, and assist law enforcement in maintaining order and safety. 🎉📸 By enhancing surveillance and situational awareness, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and video analytics capabilities offer an extra layer of security, helping authorities respond swiftly to any emerging situations. 📍As drones continue to make strides in public safety and emergency response, it's crucial to ensure responsible and ethical use. Adhering to regulations, respecting privacy, and prioritizing safety are paramount in the deployment of drones for these purposes. 🤝🚁🚓 By collaborating with stakeholders, including emergency responders, drone operators, and regulatory bodies, we can harness the full potential of this technology while upholding the values of public safety and privacy. #SavingLives #DroneTechnology #PublicSafety #InnovationUnleashed #DronewithDav

CISA Updates Toolkit to Promote Public Safety Communications and Cyber Resiliency "To assist public safety agencies in navigating the wealth of information available regarding communications resiliency, CISA created the Public Safety Communications and Cyber Resiliency Toolkit to identify and address emergent trends and issues, consolidate resources, educate stakeholders at all levels of government, and propose mitigations to enable resilient public safety communications. The Toolkit is designed to assist public safety agencies and others responsible for communications networks by providing the tools necessary to evaluate current resiliency capabilities, identify ways to improve resiliency, and develop plans for mitigating the effects of potential resiliency threats." https://lnkd.in/eN66mTFr

. Verizon on Thursday announced its new Frontline Network Slice, which the company said will use 5G standalone (SA) technology to slice off a dedicated chunk of its network resources for public safety customers. The company said the first implementation of the technology will target connected vehicles. "Our Frontline Network Slice – Connected Vehicle allows first responders to access powerful in-vehicle connectivity, providing an enhanced mobile working environment with dedicated network resources. This will help ensure that mission-critical communications are available to first responders," the company touted in a brochure for the offering. The company noted that its connected vehicle slice only works through Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 routers. Interestingly, Verizon is also offering the slicing service in "select" markets. The company listed 29 such markets – from Los Angeles and San Francisco in California to Chicago, Salt Lake City, Denver and Miami – where its offering will work over its 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) network. In response to questions from Light Reading, a Verizon representative said the company's list of available markets isn't exhaustive, and that they are just the larger markets where Verizon Frontline Network Slice is now available. The representative said the company will be expanding availability to more large markets in the future. MORE; https://lnkd.in/gXxG2bTr

Yesterday, during the King's speech at the State Opening of Parliament in the UK, one of the 39 bills highlighted for the new parliament was The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. This bill, published in draft form by the previous government, will enact Martyn's Law, which mandates that large venues implement procedures to address the threat of terrorism. Martyn's Law aims to enhance security and public safety in venues and public spaces by requiring owners and operators to take specific steps to protect the public from terrorist attacks. The key aspects of Martyn's Law include: 1. Risk Assessment: Owners and operators must assess the risks of potential terrorist attacks and develop appropriate security plans. 2. Staff Training: Staff members must be trained to respond to terrorist incidents, including recognizing suspicious behavior and taking appropriate action. 3. Emergency Plans: Venues must have clear and actionable emergency plans for dealing with terrorist attacks, including evacuation procedures. 4. Collaboration with Authorities: Venues must work closely with local authorities and law enforcement to ensure that security measures are effective and up to date. 5. Regular Reviews: Security measures and plans must be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing threats and best practices. Martyn's Law aims to create a consistent and comprehensive approach to public safety and security across the UK, reducing the risk of terrorist attacks and ensuring that public spaces are better prepared to respond to such incidents. I’ve no doubt that the guidance supporting this new legislation will be relevant on a global platform as international best practice. I’m a firm believer that a well developed fire strategy for a project should fully consider the findings of a security threat analysis and vulnerability assessment to ensure robust emergency evacuation plans are developed and implemented for all credible scenarios. #PublicSafety #RiskManagement #EmergencyPlanning #firestrategy #fireengineering #hydrocknowstantec #Hydrock #Stantec