Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) networks, traditionally reliant on narrowband technology, have been the cornerstone of mission-critical communications. These networks are now evolving, leveraging the advanced capabilities of 4G and 5G technologies, along with a vast ecosystem of devices, sensors, and applications. This evolution offers promising new opportunities for public safety users, particularly police and emergency services, where seamless communication can be crucial in saving lives through enhanced information and quicker decision-making.

The enhanced variety and capabilities of devices, accessories, and sensors will facilitate comprehensive information sharing, encompassing video, text, voice, and contextual data such as biometric and advanced location-based information.

Real-time video streams from various sources—including CCTV, drones, body-worn cameras, and other IoT sensors—will be accessible for AI-based analytics and decision-making by control room operators and field commanders.

In emergency and distress situations, voice-based ambient listening combined with images will enable faster and more effective interventions. Improved coordination during operations, increased responsiveness, and better preparedness for planned events will collectively enhance the security of the population and the safety of first responders.

The 4G/5G ecosystem, grounded in 3GPP standards, will also allow public safety users to benefit from continuous technological innovations tailored to their needs. In the near future, the integration of satellite communication services based on the 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) will provide higher resilience and expanded coverage.

Strengthening Collaboration with Users for Enhanced Security

Transitioning to these new systems presents several challenges. Evolving operational models, integrating with existing processes, applications, and equipment, adapting technology to meet first responders' needs, and navigating the regulatory and legal implications will all require close collaboration with public safety users. It's essential to leverage each organization's unique operations to define optimal use doctrines, operating modes, and necessary technology modifications, while also preparing for future operational use cases.

Airbus is actively integrating new capabilities offered by this advanced ecosystem, including drones, Robot K9 units, and various sensors. IoT-generated data can be utilized for live monitoring, such as tracking the vital signs of firefighters in the field or detecting escalation factors for police officers, prompting faster responses when needed, such as when a gun is drawn from a connected holster.

As a pioneering country in exploring and procuring these new critical broadband communications capabilities for public safety, the United Kingdom can significantly contribute to defining new methods of providing security for citizens and ensuring first responders' safety. This effort will ensure that the new systems meet the high standards of security, performance, resiliency, and availability provided by current systems.