Tait Communications is urging public safety agencies to prioritize interoperability as a foundational requirement in next-generation communications planning, noting that 2026 market analyses and frequency management reports consistently identify interoperability as a defining factor in building resilient and futureproof networks.

As agencies modernize their spectrum strategies and technology roadmaps, interoperability is emerging not only as a cross-jurisdictional necessity—ensuring seamless coordination between neighboring regions—but also as a critical requirement within agencies operating multiple technology layers. In today’s mission-critical environment, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems must integrate smoothly with broadband data platforms, video applications, and emerging mission-critical services to deliver unified operational capability.

Tait emphasizes that as some vendors promote closed-system architectures, agencies must carefully evaluate whether proposed solutions genuinely support open standards and long-term integration. Asking the right technical and procurement questions at the outset, the company notes, is essential to ensuring that new deployments align with operational interoperability requirements and do not limit future expansion or cross-platform collaboration.

Transportation, Interference

Spectrum interference causes temporary shutdown of Greek airspace

Flights across Greece were grounded for hours 4 January after massive interference crippled air traffic radio frequencies, forcing a nationwide shutdown of airport operations.

This incident underscores the operational risk of nonredundant and aging systems and reinforces the need for licensed, dedicated spectrum and resilient, interoperable communications strategies that can withstand disruptions for mission-critical operations.

Broadband, Devices

Major growth forecasted in mission-critical broadband device market

The market for public safety broadband devices is predicted to increase from US$377 million in 2024 to US$748 million in 2029, according to SNS Telecom. One software vendor forecasts significant advances in user interface/user experience (UI/UX), functionality and form factors for broadband devices targeted at mission-critical users.

The market will be driven by 4G/5G adoption and the continuing need for group and one-to-one communications. Organizations planning hybrid networks should anticipate potential integration challenges and ensure solutions align with open standards to avoid vendor lock-in.

P25, Interoperability

Users are the best catalyst for open standards implementation

Interoperability within public safety networks and devices is often described as a technical challenge, but the problem is more often rooted in governance, education and incentives. Open standards and durable cross-vendor interoperability have rarely emerged organically. They tend to appear only after federal or state intervention forces alignment through legislation, funding conditions, compliance programs, or statewide governance.

This means sustained user support for interoperable functionality is crucial if we want reliable, open standards communication now and in the future.

Utilities, Resiliency

Berlin power outage highlights need for crisis communications

A multi-day power outage in southwest Berlin demonstrated the operational value of Germany’s 450 MHz network for critical infrastructure operators.

These types of extreme events may prompt other utilities worldwide to reassess their backup communications strategies to ensure continuity. Members of the 450 MHz Alliance (including Tait) will be key to supporting the development and implementation of these network enhancements.

Video, Worker Safety

Body-worn cameras keep field workers safe

A new video solution deployed across SafeWork New South Wales’ operations is helping protect their teams, improving evidence collection and supporting cultural change in their workplace safety practices.

The successful results of this deployment are a good reminder that an effective communications system delivers more than technical capabilities. It keeps people safe and operations running smoothly.