SPECIAL: CCW 2026 From the show floor

One control room, many networks: The new role of mission-critical dispatch Critical communications environments rarely stand still. Different radio technologies, location services and recording systems must often work together, while dispatchers need to keep a clear overview of what is happening. But what does it take to make all these systems work seamlessly - and how do you introduce new capabilities without adding complexity for the people who rely on them? In this episode of Making Waves, Stuart Will and Lone Hansen are joined by Jeff Hunt, Vice President of Alliances, and Michael Clarke, Senior Communications Consultant at Omnitronics, to discuss the challenges shaping modern dispatch and the decisions that will influence its future.Drawing on their experience across critical communications projects, Jeff and Michael share their perspectives on interoperability, evolving customer expectations and the growing importance of operational information. They also explore why understanding the dispatcher’s everyday needs is essential when developing solutions for increasingly complex environments. The conversation looks beyond today’s control room to consider what may be changing next - and how the industry can balance innovation with the reliability and practicality that mission-critical operations demand. What you’ll discoverThe challenges driving the evolution of mission-critical dispatchWhy connecting different technologies is only part of the interoperability challengeHow changing operational needs are influencing the way dispatch solutions developWhat organisations should consider when modernising existing communications infrastructureWhich developments could shape the control room of the futureAbout the guests Jeff Hunt is Vice President of Alliances at Omnitronics, bringing almost 25 years of experience in the land mobile radio industry. His work focuses on interoperability, partnerships and helping customers connect multiple radio networks in a unified dispatch environment. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-hunt-1016072/ Michael Clarke is Senior Communications Consultant at Omnitronics. With nearly a decade at the company and experience across dispatch projects in multiple regions and industries, he brings practical insight into customer requirements, technology integration and the development of dispatch solutions.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-69000527/Learn more https://www.omnitronicsworld.com/

The debate over whether broadband will replace traditional radio has been going on for years. But the networks people rely on do not exist in isolation. TETRA, DMR and other LMR systems continue to carry critical communications, while broadband is opening up new possibilities for data, video, applications and connectivity. So how do you bring the two together without losing what already works? In this episode of Making Waves, Stuart Will and Lone Hansen are joined by Kaveh Hosseinzadeh, Managing Director of TASSTA, and Pascal Béglin, CEO of Streamwide, to explore what hybrid communications really mean for mission-critical operations. The conversation moves beyond the replacement debate and into the practical realities of connecting existing PMR networks with broadband capabilities. Kaveh and Pascal discuss what customers are trying to achieve, why interoperability and mutual aid matter, and what Mission Critical Services (MCX) actually bring to people using these systems in the field. They also look at the role of 3GPP standards, different approaches to integrating existing networks, and why the right solution depends on factors such as network size, coverage, operational requirements and the way communications are used. What you’ll discoverWhy the LMR versus broadband debate may be missing the bigger pictureWhat MCX means for end users beyond push-to-talkWhy interoperability and mutual aid are central to hybrid communicationsWhat 3GPP standards bring to mission-critical communicationsWhat organisations need to consider when connecting existing PMR networks with broadbandWhy different operational environments call for different integration approachesWhere AI could add new capabilities to mission-critical communicationsAbout the guests Kaveh Hosseinzadeh is Managing Director of TASSTA and has a background in TETRA, network integration and mission-critical communications. He has worked with radio systems and technologies across different markets and has focused on bringing traditional PMR capabilities together with MCX and broadband. Pascal Béglin is CEO and co-founder of Streamwide. A telecommunications engineer, he has worked extensively with mission-critical broadband and MCX solutions, including deployments supporting public safety organisations in Europe and the US. Connect & learn more https://tassta.com/https://www.streamwide.com/en/home/ Timeline: 00:00   Podcast teaser 00:56   Welcome and introductions 02:42   Is LMR really being replaced? 04:20   Why hybrid makes sense 06:35   Solving the mutual aid challenge 10:05   What MCX adds 13:30   Why network integration matters 16:15   The role of 3GPP standards 19:35   From TETRA to hybrid 23:05   Choosing the right integration approach 26:45   Rapid fire: the future of mission-critical communications 30:15   Closing thoughts

What does it take to turn a drone into something you can actually depend on in a mission? Drones and other unmanned systems are advancing rapidly, but the platform itself is only part of the story. The real challenge begins when it has to operate as part of a wider mission - connected, resilient, secure and able to deliver the right information to the right people. In this episode of Making Waves, hosts Stuart Will and Lone Hansen are joined by Glenn Møller, Strategic Account Director Defence at NORTHCOM, and Kenneth Hubner, Group Chief Product Officer at NORTHCOM, to explore what it takes to move from an impressive unmanned platform to a genuine operational capability. The conversation goes beyond the drone itself. Glenn and Kenneth explain why connectivity may be the most underestimated part of an unmanned system, why no single network can meet every critical communications requirement, and how terrestrial networks, private 5G, PMR and satellite connectivity could increasingly work together as a network of networks. They also discuss what changes when you move from five drones to hundreds or thousands, why systems integration becomes increasingly important, and why the Nordic environment has become such a demanding testing ground for new defence and autonomy technologies. What you’ll discover in this conversation:Why buying a capable drone is very different from creating an operational capability.Why connectivity is one of the most underestimated parts of an unmanned system.How PMR, 5G, private networks and satellite connectivity can work together.What happens when you move from a handful of drones to large-scale fleets.Why system integration can matter as much as the platform itself.What the Nordic environment can teach us about building resilient unmanned systems.Why the future could see unmanned platforms operating as integrated fleets across air, land and sea.ABOUT: Glenn Møller | Strategic Account Director Defence, NORTHCOMWith extensive experience in drones, unmanned systems and radio integration, Glenn works with customers and technology providers to turn individual platforms into operational capabilities. His perspective spans communications, integration and the practical realities of deploying unmanned systems in demanding environments. Kenneth Hubner | Group Chief Product Officer, NORTHCOMKenneth leads NORTHCOM's product, solution and service portfolio across critical communications, working with government authorities, public safety organisations and companies operating critical infrastructure. He brings a broader perspective on connectivity, interoperability and the move towards integrated networks and operational capabilities.   LEARN MORE www.northcomsolutions.com More episodes: damcellular.com/podcast

What if the biggest cyber risk in your network is the one you can’t see? Mission-critical communications are no longer isolated. LMR is increasingly connected with LTE, 5G, cloud services, satellite connectivity, IT systems and connected devices. That creates new capabilities - but also new points of vulnerability. So what happens when you can no longer see everything connected to your network? In this episode of Making Waves, co-hosts Stuart Will and Lone Hansen sit down with Chris Carter, Chairman and CEO of Approyo, to connect enterprise cybersecurity thinking with the realities of mission-critical communications.In this conversation, we explore:The visibility gap: Why organisations may not have a security problem, but a visibility problem.Zero Trust in action: What “never trust, always verify” means in mission-critical networks.The convergence challenge: What happens when LMR connects with LTE, 5G and satellite.Cyber sovereignty and resilience: How cloud, geopolitics and multi-vendor environments change the security equation.What end users can do: Practical steps for public safety and critical infrastructure organisations.Can you truly protect what you can’t see?About:Chris Carter is Chairman and CEO of Approyo and a technology entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in enterprise technology, cloud, AI and cybersecurity. He has built his career around helping organisations navigate complex technology environments, from SAP and cloud infrastructure to digital transformation and cybersecurity. Through his work with organisations across more than 55 industries, Chris has developed a broad perspective on the risks and challenges that emerge as systems become increasingly connected and dependent on digital infrastructure. CONNECT & LEARN MORE Chris Carter on LinkedInMore episodes: damcellular.com/podcast

How do you modernise mission-critical communications without compromising the reliability people depend on? As broadband, AI, satellite connectivity, and new digital services reshape critical communications, organisations face a difficult balancing act: embracing innovation while maintaining the resilience and security that frontline users rely on every day. In this episode of Making Waves, hosts Stuart Will and Lone Hansen are joined by Olivier Koczan, Head of Airbus Public Safety and Security, for a conversation about the realities behind building and operating communication systems where failure is simply not an option. Drawing on decades of experience delivering some of the world's largest mission-critical networks, Olivier shares why successful transformation isn't just about adopting new technology. It's about understanding the people who depend on it, designing for resilience from day one, and knowing when evolution is more effective than revolution. The conversation explores why narrowband still has an important role to play, how organisations can bridge the gap to broadband, and what technologies are likely to define the next generation of mission-critical communications. What you'll discover in this conversation:Why reliability begins long before a network is deployed.The biggest misconception organisations have about next-generation communications.How narrowband and broadband are working together - not competing.Why successful digital transformation depends as much on people as technology.The emerging technologies Airbus believes will redefine resilience over the next decade.About Olivier Koczan | Head of Airbus Public Safety and Security Drawing on more than 40 years of experience delivering some of the world's largest mission-critical networks, Olivier explains why successful transformation isn't just about adopting new technology, Olivier Koczan leads Airbus Public Safety and Security, helping governments, emergency services, defence organisations, transport operators, utilities, and industrial users deploy resilient communication solutions around the world. Having witnessed the evolution from dedicated narrowband systems to today's hybrid broadband environments, he brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Learn more: https://www.criticalcommunications.airbus.com/en

Every year, Critical Communications World reveals where the industry is heading - not just through product launches, but through the conversations happening across the exhibition floor.In this special episode, recorded live at CCW 2026, we speak with experts from across the industry, including Airbus, Omdia and Sepura to capture the themes, challenges and opportunities shaped the conversations at this year's event.From broadband and mission-critical applications to interoperability, procurement and the future role of TETRA, you'll hear first-hand perspectives from the people helping shape the next generation of critical communications.In this episodeWhy the conversation around broadband is becoming more practical.How operators are approaching the transition to next-generation networks.Why TETRA remains a key part of the mission-critical ecosystem.The biggest trends experts expect to shape the coming years.Quick insights and observations from one of the industry's most important events.Whether you attended CCW or couldn't make it this year, this episode provides an overview of the discussions that mattered most - and what they could mean for the future of critical communications.FeaturingIgor Vinogradoff, AirbusLuke Stanley, SepuraIldefonso de la Cruz, OmdiaLearn moreAirbusSepura Omdia

As he steps down as TCCA Chairman, Mladen Vratonjić reflects on one of the most transformative periods in the history of critical communications.(Disclaimer: Due to technical issues during recording, the audio quality is not as clear as intended).In this special conversation recorded at CCW 2026, Mladen shares how the industry evolved from dedicated TETRA networks to globally connected mission-critical ecosystems, the role TCCA played in bringing critical communications into 3GPP standards, and why resilience, interoperability and cooperation will shape the next decade. The discussion also explores cross-border communications, cybersecurity, AI beyond the hype, and why open standards remain essential for innovation and trust. Rather than looking back with nostalgia, Mladen offers his perspective on where the industry is heading - and why its mission has never been more important. In this episode:•  How critical communications has transformed over the past decade •  The journey from TETRA to broadband and global standards•  Why resilience and interoperability matter more than ever•  AI in mission-critical communications - what's real and what's just hype?•  The importance of cooperation in an increasingly connected world•  Mladen's reflections as he hands over the role of TCCA ChairmanWhether you're involved in public safety, utilities, transport, defence or mission-critical technology, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the industry's most respected voices.  About Mladen Vratonjić Mladen Vratonjić has dedicated decades to shaping the future of critical communications. As Chairman of the TCCA, he helped guide the industry through a period of significant transformation - from dedicated TETRA networks to today's interconnected mission-critical broadband ecosystem. Known for his commitment to open standards, collaboration and international cooperation, Mladen leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence the future of mission-critical communications.TCCA website: https://tcca.info/ TCCA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tcca-critical-communicationsMore episodes: https://dammcellular.com/podcast/

Is public safety communication facing a technology problem, or a culture problem? The world of first-responder communication is undergoing its most radical transformation in decades. We are moving away from purely voice-centric, dedicated narrowband systems like TETRA and stepping into an information-centric, broadband-driven reality. But are our organisations, legal frameworks, and frontline cultures truly ready for it? In this episode of Making Waves, hosts Stuart Will and Lone Hansen sit down with industry veteran Tero Pesonen to preview the critical themes driving the upcoming Critical Communications World (CCW) event in London. Tero shares his visionary outlook on why AI is the ultimate companion to prevent next-gen operations from remaining "science fiction," how the roadmap to 6G must be built entirely on society-level trust, and why traditional TETRA still holds a vital, resilient place in the future of critical networks. Key talking points:The power of one voice: Why a niche sector must collaborate closely to ensure commercial 4G, 5G, and 6G technologies serve public safety needs.The three pillars of transition: The distinct hurdles that engineers, politicians, and frontline users must clear to successfully roll out nationwide broadband networks.AI as the enabler: How automated network resilience and sensor fusion are shifting the industry paradigm from being "technology-limited" to "culture-limited."The roadmap to 2036: A look at the emerging European Critical Communication System (EUCCS) and what it means for cross-border missions.The longevity of TETRA: Why narrowband isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and how it fits into a multi-technology future.About: Tero Pesonen, Vice-Chair of TCCA & Chair of the Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG)Tero Pesonen is a globally recognised leader in the critical communications sector. Having joined the industry in 1997 during the pioneering days of TETRA, Tero dedicated his early career to turning it into a globally interoperable, multi-vendor standard. Today, as the Vice-Chair of the Critical Communications Association (TCCA) and Chair of the Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG), he focuses on uniting the global value chain to successfully transition public safety, disaster relief, and critical enterprises into the next era of 3GPP-based broadband (4G, 5G, and 6G).

TETRA today, tomorrow, and beyond: Inside the work of the TETRA Industry Group In the era of next-gen broadband and LTE, it is easy to focus entirely on emerging tech. But on the front lines of heavy industry and public safety, perception rarely matches operational reality. This week on Making Waves, we step inside the global strategy rooms of the critical communications ecosystem to explore how private, dedicated networks are changing, adapting, and growing. Far from being a static technology, the international community is actively investing in new enhancements - integrating everything from cutting-edge cybersecurity protocols to artificial intelligence. What you’ll discover in this conversation:The 15-year horizon: Why global migration strategies are built on a bedrock of long-term hybrid coexistence.Defending the spectrum: How the industry is strategically addressing frequency spectrum pressures and navigating international ITU allocations to protect critical users.The total cost of ownership: How manufacturers are using AI to optimise power consumption and efficiency on the network side for decades to come.Untapped potential: Why standard telemetry, SCADA applications, and user location services mean you don't always need a broadband pipe to achieve smart network operations."You have to pick up the best of every technology to build the best possible solution, not just limiting yourself to one."   Timeline: 00:00 Pre-roll episode teaser01:16 Show intro & guest introduction02:16 Welcome & the role of the TIG05:11 Market reality vs. perception07:53 Standards, cyber threats & encryption13:16 TETRA for industrial & dedicated users17:55 The hybrid ecosystem: Complement over competition20:48 Innovation & the strategic 10-year future28:04 The quick-fire round30:31 Wrap-up & sign-off     Featured guest Francesco Pasquali | Chair of the TCCA TETRA Industry Group (TIG) Francesco has spent three decades shaping the critical communications landscape. Alongside his strategic leadership at Leonardo Cyber and Security Solutions and his seat on the TCCA Board, he chairs the TIG - the core business strategy group representing international industry leaders (including Leonardo, Motorola, Airbus, DAMM and Teltronic) to align standards, priorities, and end-user needs globally.

Making critical communications work in the real world. Designing a system is one thing; making it perform reliably under pressure is another. In this episode of Making Waves, we turn the spotlight on Brazil where vast geography and extreme industrial demands reveal what truly determines the success of mission-critical communications. Joining us is Matheus B. Silva, COO of Alcon Engenharia de Sistemas and Kofre Tecnologia, to share hard-won lessons from the intersection of engineering, business reality, and human trust. Drawing on his experience managing hundreds of thousands of users across Brazil’s most challenging environments, Matheus unpacks:Engineering decisions that impact long-term reliability – Why the infrastructure surrounding the tech is often the weakest link. Deployment and operational challenges – Navigating the "2-year rule" and the realities that only surface after go-live. Cost of ownership and lifecycle thinking – How high interest rates and operational scale are shifting the industry toward "Hardware as a Service."  User adoption and trust – Why earning the confidence of the person holding the radio is as vital as the signal itself. Preparing systems for future evolution – How to bridge the "hybrid decade" between legacy LMR and the promise of LTE.  This is a conversation packed with practical insights and a vital reminder that the real test of any communications system begins long after deployment.   Timeline: 00:00:00 Key highlights00:01:15 Introduction and guest welcome00:02:18 Company overview: Alcon-Kofre & D1 Capital00:03:35 The Brazilian context: Success & strategy00:05:07 Engineering realities: Power & infrastructure00:07:11 Business model: Hardware as a Service (HaaS)00:14:52 The human element: Building user trust00:17:42 The future: Hybrid networks & LTE00:21:11 Rapid-fire round00:27:10 Wrap-up & closing  About: Matheus B. Silva is the COO of Alcon Engenharia de Sistemas and Kofre Tecnologia. A leader at the forefront of the "Hardware as a Service" (HaaS) model, he and his team support over 850,000 subscribers across 8,000 networks, delivering vital communication lifelines to the largest mining and energy players in Latin America.