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Interoperability Takes Center Stage in 2026, Says Tait Communications
With the commercial availability of 3GPP standards-compliant MCX (Mission-Critical PTT, Video & Data), QPP (QoS, Priority & Preemption), HPUE (High-Power User Equipment), IOPS (Isolated Operation for Public Safety), and other critical communications features, LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) networks have gained recognition as an all-inclusive public safety communications platform for the delivery of real-time video, high-resolution imagery, multimedia messaging, mobile office/field data applications, location services and mapping, situational awareness, unmanned asset control, and other broadband capabilities, as well as MCPTT (Mission-Critical PTT) voice and narrowband data services provided by traditional LMR (Land Mobile Radio) systems. 3GPP networks are nearing the point where they can fully replace legacy LMR systems with a future-proof transition path, supplemented by additional 5G features, such as 5G MBS/5MBS (5G Multicast-Broadcast Services) for MCX services in high-density environments, 5G NR sidelink for off-network communications, VMRs (Vehicle-Mounted Relays), MWAB (Mobile gNB With Wireless Access Backhauling), NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) integration, and support for lower 5G NR bandwidths in PPDR (Public Protection & Disaster Relief) frequency bands.
Western and Northern European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Finland, and Sweden, are already moving ahead with plans to migrate all PPDR users from TETRA and Tetrapol systems to nationwide mission-critical 3GPP networks between 2028 and 2031. South Korea is an outlier, having carried out its transition much earlier due to the previous lack of a national-scale digital LMR network. The narrowband-to-broadband transition timeline is expected to be longer in some national markets. For example, Romania’s TETRA network will continue to operate in parallel with the country’s new 3GPP-based PPDR broadband network until 2035. In the United States, many APCO P25 systems are not expected to be decommissioned until the late 2030s, although some agencies – particularly those whose LMR networks are reaching end-of-life or have poor coverage – are beginning to fully transition to MCPTT services over broadband networks. Authorities in New Zealand have chosen to deploy a new digital LMR network, which is complemented by priority access over public cellular networks.
Transitions aside, a myriad of fully dedicated, hybrid government-commercial, and secure MVNO/MOCN-based public safety LTE and 5G networks are operational or in the process of being rolled out throughout the globe. One of the largest projects that emerged from secrecy in 2025 is Saudi Arabia’s $8.7 billion mission-critical broadband network for the Kingdom’s defense, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies. Other national-level public safety broadband network programs extend from high-profile national initiatives such as the United States’ FirstNet (First Responder Network), South Korea’s Safe-Net (National Disaster Safety Communications Network), Great Britain’s ESN (Emergency Services Network), France’s RRF (Radio Network of the Future), SWEN (Swedish Emergency Network), and Finland's VIRVE 2 broadband service for PPDR users to New Zealand’s PSN (Public Safety Network), Royal Thai Police's Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) LTE network, Japan’s PSMS (Public Safety Mobile System), Ireland’s new mission-critical communications system, Italian Ministry of Interior's public safety LTE/5G service, Spain's SIRDEE (State Emergency Digital Radiocommunications System) mission-critical broadband network, Hungary's EDR 2.0/3.0 5G-ready PPDR broadband network, Turkish National Police’s KETUM (Encrypted Critical Communications System), Romania’s hybrid PPDR broadband network, Qatar MOI's (Ministry of Interior) LTE network, Oman’s Band 20/n20 (800 MHz) public safety broadband network, Jordan’s hybrid TETRA-LTE communications system, Egypt’s NAS (Unified National Emergency & Public Safety Network), and Brazilian Federal Government’s private network project.
The Hong Kong Police Force’s $250 million 5G-based NGCS (Next-Generation Communications System) project, which follows a very different approach from mainland China, is comparable to national programs in smaller countries. Nationwide initiatives in the pre-operational stage include Norway's Nytt Nødnett, Germany’s BOS broadband network, Belgium’s NextGenCom (Next-Generation Mobile Communication), Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security’s VMX (Mission-Critical Communications Renewal), Switzerland’s MSK (Secure Mobile Broadband Communications) system, India’s BB-PPDR (Broadband PPDR) network, Sri Lanka Police’s new crime and emergency services communications system, Nigerian federal government’s NPSCS (National Public Security Communication System), Australia's PSMB (Public Safety Mobile Broadband) program, and Canada's national PSBN (Public Safety Broadband Network) initiative.
3GPP-compliant MCX services are a foundational component of nationwide public safety broadband networks, and multiple procurement contracts have recently been awarded for both gateway-enabled interoperability solutions and 3GPP standards-based IWF (Interworking Function) technology, which enables system-level interworking between LMR and MCX systems during concurrent operation. The integration of NG911 (Next-Generation 911) systems, live video feeds from body-worn cameras, drones, and vehicles, 3D geolocation services, AI (Artificial Intelligence) analytics, and situational awareness platforms is increasingly gaining significance in national public safety broadband programs, as is the inclusion of rapidly deployable network assets, direct-to-device connectivity from satellites, and in-building coverage for emergency communications. FirstNet’s macro coverage layer is complemented by a growing number of indoor small cells – currently at 14,000 units – supporting operation in Band 14/n14 (700 MHz) spectrum. Britain’s ESN, Sweden’s SWEN, and Finland's VIRVE 2 programs will also involve large-scale rollouts of in-building coverage solutions.
Beyond state-funded national programs, public mobile operators in some countries are pitching network slicing over their recently launched standalone 5G cores as an alternative to dedicated networks. Independent small-to-medium scale private 5G networks are also being deployed to address specific operational needs. For instance, Mexico City Police is using a standalone private 5G network to enable low-latency streaming of visual content to wireless VR headsets as part of an immersive training system, while Abu Dhabi Police has recently procured a private 5G solution, with an initial focus on high-definition video surveillance. The police force’s broader video surveillance systems are supplemented by over 150 AI models for real-time detection of traffic violations, suspect identification, and predictive analytics for crime prevention. In Spain, Madrid City Council and UME (Emergency Military Unit) have adopted tactical bubble solutions – based on transportable private 5G cell sites and network slicing over commercial 5G networks – for enhanced emergency preparedness and forest firefighting operations. Among other examples, the southern French city of Istres has deployed a private 5G network to reduce video surveillance camera installation costs by up to 80% by eliminating infrastructure-related overheads typically associated with fiber-based connections.
In the United States, both Verizon and T-Mobile have launched first responder network slices to rival the AT&T-operated FirstNet national public safety broadband network. In addition to other Band 48/n48 (3.5 GHz) CBRS spectrum-enabled private 5G networks for smart city applications, GDC (Georgia Department of Corrections) is deploying a private 5G network to provide indoor and outdoor coverage for physically isolated and secure communications at a new state prison campus. There has also been an uptick in both procurement efforts and field trials of private 5G network equipment operating in Band n79 (4.4-5 GHz) federal spectrum and Globalstar’s Band 53/n53 (2.4 GHz) spectrum. In addition, 50 MHz of public safety spectrum in the 4,940-4,990 MHz frequency range is being standardized as Band n114 (4.9 GHz) in 3GPP Release 20 specifications.
Other operational deployments range from the Halton-Peel region PSBN in Canada's Ontario province, Polkomtel’s Band 87/n87 (410 MHz) MCX network in Poland, China's city and district-wide Band 45 (1.4 GHz) LTE networks for police forces, portable 5G systems and sliced virtual private 5G networks in both China and Taiwan, provincial-level Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) safe city networks in Pakistan, Nedaa's mission-critical broadband network in Dubai, Kenyan Police Service’s custom-built LTE network, Zambia's 400 MHz broadband trunking system, Mauritania's public safety LTE network for urban security in Nouakchott, Madagascar’s private LTE network for safe city applications in Antananarivo, Uruguayan Ministry of Interior's private LTE for border surveillance reinforcement in the Rivera Department, Brazil's state-wide LTE networks for public security secretariats, penitentiary administrations, and military police forces, and the Guyanese government's 3GPP-based critical communications network to local and regional-level public safety broadband networks in markets as diverse as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Mauritius, Canary Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as multi-domain critical communications broadband networks such as Southern Linc's mission-critical LTE network for first responders and utilities in the southeastern United States, and secure MVNO platforms in Mexico and several European countries.
SNS Telecom & IT estimates that annual investments in public safety LTE/5G infrastructure and devices reached $5 billion in 2025, driven by both new projects and the expansion of existing dedicated, hybrid government-commercial, and secure MVNO/MOCN networks. Complemented by an expanding ecosystem of public safety-grade LTE/5G devices, the market will further grow at a CAGR of approximately 8% over the next three years, eventually accounting for more than $6.3 billion by the end of 2028. The positive outlook of the market coincides with meaningful progress in addressing the remaining challenge of direct mode or D2D (Device-to-Device) communications, which is often cited as the last major hurdle in the transition from LMR systems to 3GPP broadband technology. 5G NR sidelink-equipped prototype terminals for D2D communications and multi-hop relay networking are being made available for field trials by defense and public safety agencies between 2026 and 2027, with the commercial availability of chipsets expected before the end of the decade. In parallel, some national program administrators are adopting interim solutions, including LMR-based RSMs (Remote Speaker Microphones) and hybrid LMR-broadband devices.
The “Public Safety LTE & 5G Market: 2025 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts” report presents an in-depth assessment of the public safety LTE and 5G market, including the value chain, market drivers, barriers to uptake, enabling technologies, operational models, application scenarios, key trends, future roadmap, standardization, spectrum availability/allocation, regulatory landscape, case studies, ecosystem player profiles, and strategies. The report also presents global and regional market size forecasts from 2025 to 2030, covering public safety LTE/5G infrastructure, terminal equipment, applications, systems integration and management solutions, as well as subscriptions and service revenue.
The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a list and associated details of over 1,900 global public safety LTE/5G engagements – as of Q1 2026.
The report has the following key findings:
SNS Telecom & IT estimates that annual investments in public safety LTE/5G infrastructure and devices reached $5 billion in 2025, driven by both new projects and the expansion of existing dedicated, hybrid government-commercial, and secure MVNO/MOCN networks. Complemented by an expanding ecosystem of public safety-grade LTE/5G devices, the market will further grow at a CAGR of approximately 8% over the next three years, eventually accounting for more than $6.3 billion by the end of 2028.
One of the largest projects that emerged from secrecy in 2025 is Saudi Arabia’s $8.7 billion mission-critical broadband network for the Kingdom’s defense, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies. Another new addition is the Hong Kong Police Force’s $250 million 5G-based NGCS project, which is comparable to national programs in smaller countries and follows a very different approach from mainland China.
Other programs extend from high-profile national initiatives such as the United States’ FirstNet, South Korea’s Safe-Net, Great Britain’s ESN, France's RRF, Sweden’s SWEN, and Finland's VIRVE 2 to New Zealand’s PSN, Royal Thai Police's Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) LTE network, Japan’s PSMS, Ireland’s new mission-critical communications system, Italian Ministry of Interior's public safety LTE/5G service, Spain's SIRDEE mission-critical broadband network, Hungary's EDR 2.0/3.0 5G-ready PPDR broadband network, Turkish National Police’s KETUM, Romania’s hybrid PPDR broadband network, Qatar MOI's LTE network, Oman’s Band 20/n20 (800 MHz) public safety broadband network, Jordan’s hybrid TETRA-LTE communications system, Egypt’s NAS, and Brazilian Federal Government’s private network project.
Nationwide initiatives in the pre-operational stage include Norway's Nytt Nødnett, Germany’s BOS broadband network, Belgium’s NextGenCom, Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security’s VMX, Switzerland’s MSK system, India’s BB-PPDR network, Sri Lanka Police’s new crime and emergency services communications system, Nigerian federal government’s NPSCS, Australia's PSMB program, and Canada's national PSBN initiative.
Beyond state-funded national programs, public mobile operators in some countries are pitching network slicing over their recently launched standalone 5G cores as an alternative to dedicated networks. Independent small-to-medium scale private 5G networks are also being deployed to address specific operational needs.
For instance, Mexico City Police is using a standalone private 5G network to enable low-latency streaming of visual content to wireless VR headsets as part of an immersive training system, while Abu Dhabi Police has recently procured a private 5G solution, with an initial focus on high-definition video surveillance.
In Spain, Madrid City Council and UME (Emergency Military Unit) have adopted tactical bubble solutions – based on transportable private 5G cell sites and network slicing over commercial 5G networks – for enhanced emergency preparedness and forest firefighting operations. Among other examples, the southern French city of Istres has deployed a private 5G network to reduce video surveillance camera installation costs by up to 80% by eliminating infrastructure-related overheads typically associated with fiber-based connections.
In the United States, both Verizon and T-Mobile have launched first responder network slices to rival the AT&T-operated FirstNet national public safety broadband network. In addition to other Band 48/n48 (3.5 GHz) CBRS spectrum-enabled private 5G networks for smart city applications, GDC (Georgia Department of Corrections) is deploying a private 5G network to provide indoor and outdoor coverage for physically isolated and secure communications at a new state prison campus.
There has also been an uptick in both procurement efforts and field trials of private 5G network equipment operating in Band n79 (4.4-5 GHz) federal spectrum and Globalstar’s Band 53/n53 (2.4 GHz) spectrum. In addition, 50 MHz of public safety spectrum in the 4,940-4,990 MHz frequency range is being standardized as Band n114 (4.9 GHz) in 3GPP Release 20 specifications.
Other operational deployments include the Halton-Peel region PSBN in Canada's Ontario province, Polkomtel’s Band 87/n87 (410 MHz) MCX network in Poland, China's city and district-wide Band 45 (1.4 GHz) LTE networks for police forces, portable 5G systems and sliced virtual private 5G networks in both China and Taiwan, provincial-level Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) safe city networks in Pakistan, Nedaa's mission-critical broadband network in Dubai, Kenyan Police Service’s custom-built LTE network, Zambia's 400 MHz broadband trunking system, Mauritania's public safety LTE network for urban security in Nouakchott, Madagascar’s private LTE network for safe city applications in Antananarivo, Uruguayan Ministry of Interior's private LTE for border surveillance reinforcement in the Rivera Department, Brazil's state-wide LTE networks for public security secretariats, penitentiary administrations, and military police forces, and the Guyanese government's 3GPP-based critical communications network.
Additional examples span local and regional-level public safety broadband networks in markets as diverse as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Mauritius, Canary Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as multi-domain critical communications broadband networks such as Southern Linc's mission-critical LTE network for first responders and utilities in the southeastern United States, and secure MVNO platforms in Mexico and several European countries.
Production-grade implementations of 3GPP standards-compliant MCX services – supporting MCPTT, MCVideo, and MCData functionality – are continuing to accelerate over both commercial and public safety broadband networks. To support interoperability between LMR and MCX systems during concurrent operation, multiple procurement contracts have recently been awarded for both gateway-based interoperability solutions and standards-based IWF technology, which enables system-level interworking through server-to-server interfaces.
Examples of service providers that already offer or are in the process of launching MCX services range from critical communications broadband networks – such as FirstNet (AT&T), Safe-Net, ESN, RRF, SIRDEE (Telefónica), SWEN, VIRVE 2, and KETUM – to mobile operators Verizon, T-Mobile, Southern Linc, Telus, Bell Canada, Vodafone, DT (Deutsche Telekom), Telenor, SFR, KPN, Swisscom, Telia, Føroya Tele, Plus (Polkomtel), STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Omantel, Telstra, and Telecom Argentina.
KNPA (Korean National Police Agency), NFA (Korean National Fire Agency), South Dakota's public safety agencies, AdventHealth, Georgia State Patrol, Dallas (Georgia) Police Department, and several other end user organizations have already switched to MCPTT over 3GPP networks as their primary means of mission-critical voice communications, with their own distinct migration strategies.
At a national level, South Korea is an outlier, having carried out its transition much earlier due to the previous lack of a national-scale digital LMR network. Safe-Net – the country’s national disaster safety communications network – serves more than 230,000 MCX users across various government departments and agencies.
Western and Northern European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Finland, and Sweden, are moving ahead with plans to migrate all PPDR users from TETRA and Tetrapol systems to nationwide mission-critical 3GPP networks between 2028 and 2031.
The narrowband-to-broadband transition timeline is expected to be longer in some national markets. For example, Romania’s TETRA network will continue to operate in parallel with the country’s new 3GPP-based PPDR broadband network until 2035.
In the United States, many APCO P25 systems are not expected to be decommissioned until the late 2030s, although some agencies – particularly those whose LMR networks are reaching end of life or have poor coverage – are beginning to fully transition to MCPTT services over broadband networks. Authorities in New Zealand have chosen to deploy a new digital LMR network, which is complemented by priority access over public cellular networks.
The integration of NG911 systems, live video feeds from body-worn cameras, drones, and vehicles, 3D geolocation services, AI analytics, and situational awareness platforms is increasingly gaining significance in national public safety broadband programs.
As an example, FirstNet’s next-generation MCX service platform provides direct access to live video and location data from body-worn cameras and other connected devices to help improve situational awareness. It also integrates with NG911 systems to help incident commanders and first responders gain real-time access to critical emergency information.
South Korean authorities are developing an AI-enabled safety management system focused on proactive prevention and emergency response. The system leverages Safe-Net to aggregate multimodal data from field units, sensors, CCTV, drones, and vehicles, which is processed by public safety-specific AI models to support mission-critical workflows.
In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Police’s video surveillance systems – which are connected by the police force’s public safety broadband network – are supplemented by more than 150 AI models for real-time detection of traffic violations, suspect identification, and predictive analytics for crime prevention.
Finland’s VIRVE 2 mission-critical broadband service is being used by the country’s public safety organizations to facilitate real-time video transmission from body-worn cameras, drones, vehicle-mounted systems, and fixed surveillance units, enabling immediate on-site assessment of incident severity and improved situational awareness.
In-building coverage is another important aspect of national programs. In the United States, FirstNet’s macro coverage layer is complemented by a growing number of indoor small cells – currently at 14,000 units – supporting operation in Band 14/n14 (700 MHz) spectrum. Britain’s ESN, Sweden’s SWEN, and Finland's VIRVE 2 programs will also involve large-scale rollouts of in-building coverage solutions.
COWs (Cells-on-Wheels), COLTs (Cells-on-Light Trucks), NIBs (Network-in-a-Box Systems), aerial cell sites, and other rapidly deployable LTE/5G network assets – supported by satellite, microwave, or fiber backhaul – are playing a pivotal role in facilitating mission-critical communications, real-time transmission of video footage, and improved situational awareness for incident command, emergency response, and search and rescue needs – for instance, the mobilization of deployables during special events such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix and last year’s Southern California wildfires in the United States.
Additionally, the FirstNet Authority, Finland’s Erillisverkot (State Security Networks Group), NSW (New South Wales) Telco Authority, and other critical communications network operators are pursuing the provision of direct-to-device coverage from LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites to close terrestrial service gaps and reduce reliance on deployable assets for restoring communications in areas affected by disasters.
Meaningful progress is being made in addressing the remaining challenge of direct mode or D2D communications, which is often cited as the last major hurdle in the transition from LMR systems to 3GPP broadband technology. 5G NR sidelink-equipped prototype terminals for D2D communications and multi-hop relay networking are being made available for field trials by defense and public safety agencies between 2026 and 2027, with the commercial availability of chipsets expected before the end of the decade.
In parallel, some national program administrators are adopting interim solutions, including LMR-based RSMs and hybrid LMR-broadband devices. For instance, in France, the RRF network’s operating agency ACMOSS (Agency for Operational Security & Rescue Mobile Communications) has introduced an Airbus-supplied RSM service continuity solution for point-to-point connectivity between users. The so-called “Micro Peer” RSM unit connects to an RRF broadband terminal via Bluetooth or a cable and supports direct mode operation using AES-256 encrypted DMR Tier II technology in the 380-430 MHz band.
Eviden, another French technology provider, has developed a tactical IP radio for dismounted soldiers and homeland security forces, which integrates two 4G/5G modems for wide area connectivity and a direct mode capability based on the IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer. Operating in sub-1 GHz spectrum, the terminal is capable of supporting D2D and relay links of up to 2-4 kilometers in clear LOS (Line-of-Sight) conditions or 600-700 meters in deep forest or underground locations.
Several device vendors – including Motorola Solutions, L3Harris, Airbus, Teltronic, Sepura, Tait, Cybertel, Hytera, Caltta, ASELSAN, TELOX, ICOM, Kirisun, Inrico, Boxchip, Estalky, and BelFone – have launched multi-bearer terminals that combine P25, TETRA, DMR, or other LMR technologies with 3GPP broadband access. The use cases of these hybrid terminals are not limited to off-network communications via LMR-enabled DMO (Direct Mode Operation). For example, Danish critical communications service provider DBK has adopted hybrid TETRA-LTE radios to expand the reach of its SINE TETRA network inside buildings, under parking lots, and other areas where cellular coverage is available but TETRA penetration is poor.
Another barrier that was previously impeding the market was the non-availability of cost-optimized RAN equipment and terminals that support operation in spectrum reserved for PPDR communications – most notably Band 68/n68 (698-703 / 753-758 MHz), which has been allocated for PPDR broadband systems in several national markets across Europe.
Multiple suppliers – including Ericsson, Nokia, Teltronic, CROSSCALL, RugGear/i.safe MOBILE, HMD Secure, Zebra, Sonim, and Samsung – have introduced support for Band 68/n68 in their RAN and terminal product offerings. Device vendors such as Cybertel, CROSSCALL, TELOX, Cyrus Technology, RugGear, and Hytera have also committed to supporting 410/450 MHz critical communications networks in their handheld terminals.
Many of these terminals also integrate specific capabilities for public safety communications, including 3GPP-compliant MCX client functionality, priority and preemption, eMBMS technology for resource-efficient group communications, and physical features such as programmable PTT and side keys, rotary knobs, and external antennas.
In terms of physical design, vendors like Siyata, Cybertel, L3Harris, and Motorola Solutions are focusing on replicating the muscle memory experience associated with traditional LMR devices used by first responders, while the likes of CROSSCALL, HMD Secure, Purism, and Samsung are leaning towards form factors that blend durability with a more refined, smartphone-like aesthetic.
Accessory manufacturer Stop Noise has launched an operating device that brings a physical button user interface to standard smartphones, enabling first responders to utilize its buttons for mission-critical functions such as PTT, talk group selection, video activation, or emergency triggers.
Recently, vendors such as Semtech have launched new rugged 5G routers that are aligned with public safety needs, including network slicing capabilities. HPUE technology, which enables public safety broadband terminals to transmit at power levels up to 1.25 watts in Band 14/n14 (700 MHz) spectrum, has been integrated into portable cases, fixed and vehicular routers, and hotspot devices by Nextivity and Sonim.
The network infrastructure segment is largely dominated by Scandinavian and Asian telecommunications giants Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, and Huawei. A host of other RAN, core, and transport infrastructure suppliers are also involved in public safety broadband-related projects, including transportable 5G networks and fixed infrastructure as part of national programs.
The device ecosystem is far more diverse with the active involvement of smartphone giants, rugged broadband device specialists, and LMR industry incumbents. The segment is seeing selective M&A activity. For example, Siyata recently merged with Core Gaming to form Core AI Holdings, while NEXA (Formerly Social Mobile) is acquiring Sonim's rugged mobile phone and hotspot business.
The MCX and broadband PTT application sector is showing signs of consolidation. JVCKENWOOD has entered into an agreement to acquire ESChat (SLA Corporation) by the end of Q1 2026. Last year, L3Harris acquired Ericsson’s MCX server and soft-client technologies. Ericsson had previously inherited and further developed these solutions through its 2020 acquisition of MCPTT specialist Genaker.
Cross-segment partnerships for end-to-end solutions are common across network infrastructure, device, and application providers. For instance, Nokia has recently entered into partnerships with Motorola Solutions, Leonardo, and Savox, while Ericsson is part of L3Harris’ partner program for mission-critical communications.
Consolidation is visible across the wider critical communications industry, including Axon’s acquisition of cloud-native NG911 specialist Carbyne, Day Wireless Systems' takeover of Irish critical communications solutions provider Sigma Wireless, Tait’s acquisitions of Australian video technology company m-View and New Zealand-based telecommunications service provider Vital, and Motorola Solutions’ acquisitions of NG911 solution provider RapidDeploy and mobile ad-hoc network technology provider Silvus Technologies.
Some of the recent, ongoing, and planned public safety broadband deployments are summarized below:
AT&T has introduced a new MCX platform intended to enhance MCPTT interoperability and the integration of 911 dispatch, situational awareness solutions, and connected devices such as body-worn cameras over the FirstNet public safety broadband network in the United States. Another major development is the FirstNet Authority’s directive for AT&T to deploy more than 135 purpose-built Band 14/n14 (700 MHz) cell sites to expand coverage in tribal, territorial, and rural areas identified by the public safety community.
These new cell sites expand upon the initial FirstNet buildout, completed in 2023, and the 1,000 additional sites launched between 2024 and 2025. The nationwide network supplements macro coverage spanning nearly 3 million square miles with layers of coverage enhancement solutions – including more than 14,000 in-building small cells, HPUE terminals with 1.25 watts of power output, and a dedicated fleet of more than 190 land-based and airborne portable cell sites. Additionally, plans are underway for the provision of direct-to-cellular coverage from LEO satellites to close terrestrial service gaps and reduce reliance on deployable assets for restoring communications in areas affected by disasters.
Both of AT&T’s rival national mobile operators T-Mobile and Verizon have launched dedicated network slices with priority access for first responders over their standalone public 5G networks. The City of New York, New York State Police, BPD (Buffalo Police Department), Tampa Police Department, LAFD (Los Angeles Fire Department), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and several other agencies have begun trialing or adopting these network slicing services, although FirstNet remains the most widely subscribed broadband network for public safety communications.
Atlanta-based Southern Linc has emerged as a key player in the Southeast, where it operates a mission-critical LTE network for first responders and utilities. Supported by hybrid P25-LTE devices and interworking solutions, the regional wireless carrier’s MCPTT service has been credited with unifying disparate legacy systems and expanding the reach of radio communications for Georgia's public safety and emergency management agencies by thousands of miles – a capability demonstrated during the response to Hurricane Helene and in previous interstate criminal pursuits.
The City of Brownsville (Texas), Las Vegas (Nevada), Spokane County (Washington), Chesapeake (Virginia), and several other local authorities have deployed their own private LTE and 5G networks operating in Band 48/n48 (3.5 GHz) CBRS spectrum to support smart city initiatives and municipal services, including public safety monitoring. In Las Vegas, cameras and sensors connected by the city’s private 5G network have led to a 90% drop in wrong-way driving incidents. CBRS-enabled portable cellular networks have also been utilized for critical communications in the wake of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and during Southern California wildfires.
A noteworthy example of an ongoing CBRS project is GDC’s (Georgia Department of Corrections) private 5G network, aimed at delivering indoor and outdoor coverage for physically isolated and secure communications at a new state prison campus with 13 buildings covering 800,000 square feet across 200 acres. The project is located adjacent to the existing Washington County State Prison complex in Davisboro, Georgia.
There has been an uptick in both procurement efforts and field trials of private 5G network equipment operating in Band n79 (4.4-5 GHz) by the U.S. military and federal agencies. For example, the Department of Homeland Security has acquired a Band n79-optimized standalone 5G system to evaluate its viability for supporting domestic operations, while NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) used an airborne 5G cell site operating in Band n79 to deliver air-to-ground connectivity at distances of up to 22 miles during a demonstration as part of its ACERO (Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations) project, which aims to improve aerial responses to wildfires. In addition, Globalstar and Skydio recently validated Skydio’s drone operations on Globalstar’s licensed Band n53 (2.4 GHz) spectrum using the XCOM RAN private 5G platform for public safety applications.
In Canada, there are hopes that new funding from the government’s commitment to allocate an additional 1.5% of GDP to national security-related initiatives will be used to finally establish a national PSBN (Public Safety Broadband Network). National mobile operators are actively preparing to position themselves as delivery partners. Bell is preparing to launch a nationwide 3GPP standards-compliant MCX service for first responders, while Telus recently implemented a dedicated 5G slice for Edmonton Police Service's critical surveillance systems across downtown Edmonton, Alberta, during the Edmonton Oilers 2025 Stanley Cup playoff run. During periods of high congestion, the prioritized slice maintained 100% service availability to ensure the delivery of video streams from strategically placed CCTV cameras.
On a regional level, the City of Hamilton is evaluating proposals for the implementation of a city-wide PSBN. The neighboring Halton-Peel Region’s PSBN – which consists of a shared geo-redundant mobile core implementation and regional RANs (Radio Access Networks) – remains the largest operational deployment, covering more than 2.5 million of Ontario's population across the Halton and Peel regional municipalities of the Greater Toronto Area. The regional PSBN has recently undergone a 5G core upgrade. Among other ongoing initiatives, a proof-of-concept is underway to explore MOCN-enabled roaming with the private cellular networks of rail operators CN (Canadian National Railway Company) and CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) in Montreal and Calgary, respectively.
Limited progress has been made so far on Australia’s national PSMB (Public Safety Mobile Broadband) initiative despite an RFI in 2024 to prequalify vendors for a future procurement. Mobile operator Telstra has carried out demonstrations of MCX services, LMR-3GPP interworking, and prioritized access at its Gold Coast PSEC (Public Safety Experience Centre) to build its case to serve as the primary carrier for PSMB. The NSW (New South Wales) Telco Authority is leading advocacy efforts to secure suitable spectrum for emergency services and impose enforceable license conditions on commercial mobile operators to guarantee priority, pre-emption, national roaming, and public-safety-grade resilience.
As part of New Zealand’s PSN (Public Safety Network) program led by cross-agency entity NGCC’s (Next-Generation Critical Communications), over 25,000 public safety subscribers rely on a multi-network cellular roaming service for broadband communications. Priority and preemption is operational for more than 80% of these users to ensure first responders stay connected even when the Spark and One New Zealand cellular networks are congested or degraded. In addition, compact rapid deployables are also being procured to provide temporary cellular coverage during major emergencies or incidents. They will be stored across the country in strategically selected geographic locations, ready for deployment as required.
Mainland China’s national market for public safety broadband communications is characterized by a mix of city and district-wide Band 45 (1.4 GHz) private LTE networks for police forces and hybrid public-private 5G networks based on network slicing over commercial mobile networks, distributed UPFs (User Plane Functions), and portable cell sites. Recently, drone-mounted 5G base stations operating in China Broadnet's low-band spectrum have also been employed for PPDR communications.
The Hong Kong Police is preparing to implement its 5G-based NGCS (Next-Generation Communications System), following the approval of $250 million in funding from the special administrative region’s LegCo (Legislative Council). The mission-critical 5G network will encompass a dedicated core network, up to 500 purpose-built base stations operating in Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) spectrum, and commercial mobile operator services for additional RAN coverage. Instead of a tender, the police force has adopted a direct engagement approach to identify suppliers that meet its service requirements.
Taiwan's Moda (Ministry of Digital Affairs) is leading efforts for the implementation of a national broadband PPDR communications system that will be built using a government-owned core network connected to the RAN infrastructure of all three major public mobile operators in an MOCN configuration. Exclusive-use Band 20/n20 (800 MHz spectrum) is also available for field trials until 2030. In the interim, the Kaohsiung City Police Department, Hsinchu City Fire Department, and other local agencies have adopted a host of broadband solutions tailored to their individual needs, ranging from local packet gateways and network slicing on standalone public 5G networks to rapidly deployable private 5G backpack systems and emergency response vehicles equipped with satellite backhaul.
Japan has launched its PSMS (Public Safety Mobile System) – formerly known as the PS-LTE (Public Safety LTE) service – a secure MVNO-based cellular broadband service for interoperable communications among public safety organizations that incorporates multi-carrier support and voice service prioritization in the event of a disaster or network congestion caused by commercial users. Independent private broadband networks are also being utilized for specific applications – for example, to provide connectivity over long distances for evacuation-warning drones deployed in disaster-prone areas such as Sendai. Although non-3GPP technology is being used in the country’s 200 MHz band for disaster relief communications, there have been demonstrations of modified 3GPP equipment operating in this band – one of the most recent ones being Kyoto University’s portable private 5G network.
South Korea’s Safe-Net disaster safety communications network is one of the world’s most mature nationwide public safety broadband networks. Spanning 22,000 base stations and three geo-redundant mobile cores, the mission-critical network has been adopted by 339 agencies, collectively accounting for 230,000 MCX subscriptions. Local authorities are also investing in smaller private 5G networks for specific applications. For example, the Gimcheon City Integrated Control Center has deployed a private 5G network using Band n79 (4.7 GHz) spectrum to provide wireless coverage for its AI-powered CCTV system in locations where wired cabling is impractical.
In Singapore, Singtel, DSTA (Defence Science and Technology Agency), and HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) have co-developed a sliced defense and national security network solution that leverages the mobile operator’s standalone 5G technology to allocate dedicated network resources for state agencies to employ in areas such as enhancing situational awareness and response, command and control operations, swift threat detection, and rapid incident response. As part of a separate initiative, HTX is actively exploring options for a future evolution of the MHA’s (Ministry of Home Affairs) public safety communications capabilities.
Malaysian authorities have proposed the assignment of a dedicated 5G network slice to provide secure and prioritized connectivity for PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) and other public safety agencies. Separately, Sapura Group – the operator of the country’s nationwide TETRA-based GIRN (Government Integrated Radio Network) – has developed a mission-critical broadband solution that enabled 19 agencies to connect to command centers through secure voice, data, and live video links during the recently concluded 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has implemented a hybrid narrowband-broadband solution that integrates TETRA with MCX voice and multimedia services over available broadband networks as a core critical communications backbone to support regional defense command centers, day-to-day operations, and natural disaster response missions. Among other recent projects, Korlantas (National Police Traffic Corps) has adopted an MCPTT service over commercial networks. There have also been field trials of private LTE network infrastructure operating in both 450 MHz and 700 MHz bands involving national and municipal police forces, search and rescue, and emergency management agencies.
In operation since 2016, the Royal Thai Police's Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) public safety LTE network supports MCPTT, video surveillance, and other broadband applications. The network’s purpose-built RAN infrastructure provides coverage across the entire Bangkok metropolitan area and twelve major cities, supplemented by rapidly deployable network-in-a-box units for special events, rescue operations, and disaster response scenarios.
Indian authorities have constituted an HPC (High-Powered Committee) – coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ DCPW (Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless) – for the implementation of a pan-India BB-PPDR (Broadband PPDR) network. The Indian Army has engaged with multiple vendors to procure rapidly deployable LTE network-in-a-box systems for tactical communications in border areas. The solution operates in Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) spectrum.
In Pakistan, multiple private LTE networks operating in dedicated Band 26/n26 (800 MHz) spectrum have been deployed by provincial authorities and in the Islamabad capital territory as part of video surveillance-focused safe city projects. The largest deployment spans more than 100 base stations in the Punjab province, which continues to be expanded, and two additional projects are underway in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.
Sri Lanka Police initiated planning for a new crime and emergency services communications system in 2022. The planned system is based on LTE technology operating in UHF spectrum. Existing users in the designated frequency band have already been compensated and vacated. The deployment is expected to commence soon.
After being plagued by delays for more than a decade, Britain’s 3GPP-based ESN (Emergency Services Network) is finally entering its delivery phase in earnest with new mobile and user services contracts. A PIN (Prior Information Notice) has been issued for an upcoming device procurement valued at up to $1.2 billion.
ESN is planned to be voice service-ready by 2028, and a full transition of all 300,000 users and 107 agencies from the Airwave TETRA system is expected to be concluded by the end of the decade. During the incremental switchover, when both networks will continue to operate concurrently, an IWG (Interworking Gateway) solution will link together the 6,000 busiest TETRA talkgroups to their equivalent new MCX talkgroups.
In Northern Ireland, the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) and Northern Ireland Railways have signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to explore the benefits of a future shared RAN implementation utilizing Band n100 (900 MHz) spectrum to support both railway and public safety broadband communications. The use of Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) is also under consideration, though potential interference from commercial mobile operator supplementary downlink transmissions in Band 67/n67 (738-758 MHz) is a concern.
The Republic of Ireland’s OGCIO (Office of the Government Chief Information Officer) is leading the implementation of a new mission-critical communications system to strengthen national emergency response capabilities, particularly in rural communities. The broadband PPDR system is being delivered using a hybrid commercial-government network model encompassing priority access and national roaming over commercial networks, private network-based tactical bubbles, and satellite connectivity. Initial field trials have taken place in Westport, County Mayo, and at Rosslare Europort.
France has launched its RRF (Radio Network of the Future) mission-critical broadband network with a goal of serving as many as 300,000 public safety users by 2028. Initially supported by a budget of nearly $400 million, RRF integrates geo-redundant mobile core and MCX servers; priority, preemption, and national roaming over multiple public RANs; and rapidly deployable network assets with satellite backhaul. A number of separate city-wide private cellular networks for public safety applications are also operational. For example, the southern French city of Istres has recently deployed a private 5G network to reduce video surveillance camera installation costs by up to 80% by eliminating infrastructure-related overheads typically associated with fiber-based connections.
Germany’s BDBOS (Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio) plans to initiate procurement for the first phase of its broadband program in 2026 – starting with a dedicated 4G/5G core network, followed by the implementation of a 3GPP-standards-compliant MCX solution. Additional BDBOS-led R&D projects are also underway as part of the KoPa_45 funding initiative, targeting areas ranging from TETRA-MCX interworking to 5G campus network integration and airborne cell sites. Following a series of delays associated with supply chain disruptions, the $290 million ZNV (Deployable Cellular Networks) project of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is making progress, with systems being installed. ZNV systems are interoperable with and part of the broader D-LBO (Digitalization of Land-Based Operations) program. On the commercial mobile operator side, both Vodafone and DT (Deutsche Telekom) have announced prioritized MCX services for BOS (German Public Safety Organizations), while DT also offers a dedicated BOS track for network slicing and plans to launch an IWF solution by mid-2026.
Belgian public safety network operator ASTRID has initiated its NextGenCom (Next-Generation Mobile Communication) program, which involves the implementation of a hybrid architecture 4G/5G communications system encompassing a geo-redundant core network, exclusive access MCRAN (Mission-Critical RAN) infrastructure, and MOCN-based sharing of commercial mobile operators’ existing RAN coverage with priority and preemption. Other recent initiatives extend from private 5G networks for the City of Wavre and North Sea security to 5G-connected drones for emergency response operations and field tests of the BOLSTER rapidly deployable 5G system, which operates in 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequencies.
The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security’s VMX (Mission-Critical Communications Renewal) program aims to replace the C2000 TETRA network with a mission-critical broadband service using a government-owned core network and commercial mobile operator RAN coverage. The tender process is scheduled to begin soon, with contract awards and pilots to follow. The transition to the new broadband service is not expected to start before 2029. In the meantime, national mobile operators, secure MVNOs, and other technology providers offer both multi-operator redundancy solutions and prioritized broadband connectivity for critical communications using differentiated data bearers.
Switzerland’s MSK (Secure Mobile Broadband Communications) program has been delayed due to challenges associated with governance and cost-sharing arrangements between the federal government and cantons. Following a pre-operational project between 2026 and 2028, the build-out of the MSK network is due to commence in 2029, with nationwide service readiness planned for 2035. The estimated budget for the project is $1.4 billion over the next ten years. In neighboring Austria, the BMI (Ministry of the Interior) has initiated work on preliminary planning for the future development of a secure mobile broadband communications system that will complement and eventually replace the TETRA-based Digitalfunk BOS Austria network.
On behalf of the Italian Ministry of Interior, national mobile operator TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) has rolled out a mission-critical broadband service across 11 provinces to provide mobile video surveillance, group communications, police database access, and other public safety-oriented applications. Separately, the Ministry of Defense has also deployed its own private mobile broadband network that comprises a dual-mode 5G core, fixed base stations for RAN coverage in military installations, and transportable network assets for tactical communications.
The Spanish MOI (Ministry of the Interior) and prime contractor Telefónica are progressing with the buildout of the SIRDEE mission-critical broadband network, ahead of full service readiness targeted by 2027. The network incorporates purpose-built LTE cell sites, a dedicated core with MCX support, eMBMS technology, and backup connectivity via commercial mobile operator coverage. Ertzaintza (Basque Country Public Guard) and Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan Regional Police) are reportedly planning to implement their own independent mission-critical 5G networks within their respective autonomous regions. Several mission-specific private 5G networks for public safety applications are already operational, including Madrid City Council’s 5G-based tactical bubble solution and UME’s (Emergency Military Unit) rapidly deployable 5G system for forest firefighting operations.
SWEN (Swedish Emergency Network) – previously named Rakel G2 – is expected to fully replace Sweden’s Rakel G1 TETRA network by 2030, with user migration set to take place in 2028 and 2029. Owned and managed by the MSB (Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency), a dual-mode 5G core supported by MOCN-enabled commercial RAN coverage is already operational, and a contract has recently been awarded for a TETRA-to-3GPP migration solution. Key upcoming initiatives include the procurement of a 3GPP-based MCX platform by the second half of 2026; activation of dedicated Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) spectrum; in-building and outdoor coverage expansion, portable cell sites, and satellite NTN connectivity; integration with other dedicated 5G networks being deployed by Swedish public sector organizations – for example, the VGR (Region Västra Götaland) indoor private 5G network; and cross-border collaboration with Finland and Norway. Additionally, an ongoing Vinnova-funded project aims to evaluate the suitability of 5G NR sidelink technology for device-to-device communications within SWEN.
Norway’s planned Nytt Nødnett mission-critical broadband network will combine state ownership and service procurements from commercial mobile operators. RAN coverage and core network infrastructure will be provided by all three of the country’s national operators – Telenor, Telia, and Ice Norway – while the MCX system will be managed directly by the Norwegian government. Following a preliminary study phase led by the DSB (Directorate for Civil Protection), Nkom (Norwegian Communications Authority) has been given responsibility for the new emergency network that will replace the existing Nødnett TETRA network, due for decommissioning by the end of 2031.
As part of Denmark’s FREBI (Future of Emergency Communication – Infrastructure) project, the DEMA (Danish Emergency Management Agency) is pursuing a long-term strategy for a broadband evolution and replacement of the TETRA-based SINE network, which will remain operational until 2034. Small-scale pilot tests of PTX (Push-to-Everything) tools, deployables for coverage expansion, and private 5G networks are underway. In addition, a broadband PTT solution, along with hybrid TETRA-LTE radios, is being implemented to expand the reach of the existing SINE network inside buildings, underground parking lots, and other areas where TETRA coverage is limited.
Finland was the first Nordic country to launch a mission-critical broadband service for PPDR users. Built and operated by Erillisverkot (State Security Networks Group) using an MOCN model, the VIRVE 2 service features a state-owned core network and public safety-grade QPP over commercial RAN infrastructure, with future plans for the integration of Band 68/n68 (700 MHz)-enabled private RAN coverage. The legacy VIRVE TETRA network will continue to run in parallel with VIRVE 2 until the end of 2028, when all 50,000 users are expected to have migrated.
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Interior and NAKIT (National Agency for Communication and Information Technologies) plan to implement a 3GPP-based broadband network to support mission-critical communications. Separately, the Czech Army is pursuing the implementation of its own closed 5G infrastructure that is fully independent of public mobile networks, including tactical 5G systems for rapid deployment in affected locations in the event of natural disasters, power blackouts, or other emergencies to enable communications between the state administration, PPDR agencies, and military units.
In Poland, Plus (Polkomtel) has launched a 3GPP standards-compliant MCX solution over its nationwide Band 87/n87 (410 MHz) LTE network for first responders and other critical user groups. The Konin Municipal Police and Department of Security and Crisis Management are among the first users to test the MCX system. In addition, local authorities in Starachowice, Krosno, and other cities are planning to deploy their own city-level private 5G networks using Band n77 (3.8-3.9 GHz) spectrum designated for government applications.
Hungarian government communications service provider Pro-M has deployed a nationwide 5G-ready PPDR network to provide secure and reliable broadband access to first responders and other critical user groups. The purpose-built Band 3/n3 (1.8 GHz) network encompasses nearly 2,500 state-owned base stations, a dual-mode 4G/5G core with geo-redundancy, and MOCN-based coverage extension via public RAN infrastructure. Additionally, as part of the 5G Smartcom pilot project, Pro-M has implemented a 17-site standalone 5G network for critical communications along the Hungarian-Ukrainian border.
On a broader Europe-wide level, the EUCCS (European Critical Communication System) Preparation project – coordinated by PSCE (Public Safety Communication Europe) – is actively progressing with a focus on shared operational procedures and future readiness of a mission-critical mobile communications capability for pan-European and cross-border public safety operations across EU (European Union) member states and Schengen countries.
Within the scope of the Turkish National Police’s KETUM (Encrypted Critical Communications System) program, a mission-critical LTE network – comprising 700 MHz base stations, a mobile core, and 3GPP standards-compliant MCX servers – has been implemented in Adana, Türkiye’s fifth-largest city, to provide broadband services alongside the existing BiGA DMR trunking network using hybrid DMR-LTE radio terminals. A nationwide expansion of the hybrid narrowband-broadband system is underway, with the goal of eventually serving 500,000 end users.
Romania’s STS (Special Telecommunications Service) has issued initial contracts to Nokia and Ericsson for the procurement of a dual-mode EPC/5GC core solution and RAN infrastructure in Bands 28/68 (700 MHz) and 43/n78 (3.7 GHz) to initiate the buildout of its hybrid PPDR broadband network, which will also be interconnected with commercial mobile networks for national roaming.
In addition to leveraging commercial mobile networks for supplementary broadband capabilities, the Ukrainian military and public safety agencies have procured private cellular network solutions, including satellite backhauled-deployable network assets. KT Corporation has previously proposed assistance in replicating South Korea’s Safe-Net disaster safety communications network as part of Ukraine’s reconstruction.
As part of a $75 million project, Russia’s FSO (Federal Protection Service) is deploying a dedicated LTE network using domestically produced equipment operating in the 360-380 MHz frequency range to deliver secure wireless communications for public safety and transport authorities. However, challenges associated with the implementation of the network’s backhaul infrastructure have reportedly delayed the buildout.
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) has been awarded an $8.7 billion contract to build, manage, and maintain a secure and interoperable mission-critical broadband network for Saudi Arabia’s defense, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies. The network will be initially implemented using LTE technology with a planned transition to 5G in the future. Western, Korean, and Chinese suppliers have been vying to gain a share of network infrastructure, MCX solutions, and device-related subcontracts within the project.
In the United Arab Emirates, separate Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) public safety broadband networks are operational, with Emirate-wide availability in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but limited coverage in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and other Emirates. While Dubai’s critical communications network operator Nedaa is exploring a 5G upgrade and in-building/outdoor coverage expansion initiatives, Abu Dhabi Police has recently procured a private 5G network solution in collaboration with Chinese suppliers, with an initial focus on high-definition video surveillance.
Qatar’s MOI (Ministry of Interior) was one of the first public safety entities in the world to deploy a nationwide public safety LTE network. Built using Band 20/n20 (800 MHz) and Band 7/n7 (2.6 GHz) spectrum, the network was enhanced with eMBMS technology prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and additional MCX upgrades are underway to support a full range of MCPTT, MCVideo, and MCData services. The Signal Corps of the Qatar Armed Forces is deploying its own 3GPP-based wireless network for mission-critical communications.
Oman was also among the front-runners in implementing a national-scale public safety LTE network, having awarded the initial $220 million contract for the Band 20/n20 (800 MHz) network’s buildout more than a decade ago in 2013. Since then, several follow-on procurement contracts have been issued for the network’s expansion in terms of both coverage and technical capabilities.
Mission-critical network modernization programs based on 3GPP technology are also underway in Kuwait and Bahrain, while the Jordanian Armed Forces and the country's Ministry of Interior are jointly investing over $10 million to deploy a hybrid TETRA-LTE communications system.
Egyptian authorities have deployed a dedicated 4G LTE-based mobile network for secure voice, video, and data communications as part of the country’s $1 billion NAS (Unified National Emergency & Public Safety Network) program.
The government of Madagascar has deployed a private LTE network, fiber optic infrastructure, data centers, surveillance cameras, end user terminals, and associated software to improve telecommunications for public safety and government agencies in the capital city, Antananarivo. The network modernization project is funded by a $43 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of China.
As part of a broader effort to revitalize the Nigerian federal government’s NPSCS (National Public Security Communication System) project, MPS Technologies plans to deliver a Band 31/n31 (450 MHz) 5G-ready network for the Nigerian Police Force and other public safety agencies.
Originally planned to be deployed using 215 purpose-built cell sites, the Brazilian Federal District’s private broadband network is now being implemented using a secure MVNO architecture with LTE RAN coverage delivered by public mobile operators. Expected to be fully operational by 2026, the network’s buildout also involves the implementation of a 3GPP standards-compliant MCX solution and interoperability with existing LMR systems. An expansion beyond the Federal District is also under consideration.
Public security secretariats and military police forces in some Brazilian states have deployed their own private LTE networks for public safety broadband communications. Among other recent projects, the Brazilian State of Ceará’s Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration and Reintegration has deployed a private LTE network to facilitate the live transmission of footage from 448 body cameras across 11 prison facilities.
In addition, city-level standalone private 5G network projects are underway in Pato Branco, Curitiba, Salvador, and Campo Formoso, where Band n78 (3.7–3.8 GHz) 5G NR cell sites and edge processing integrated with smart lighting fixtures are being used to support smart city applications, including video surveillance and facial recognition for public safety purposes.
Mexico City Police is using a standalone private 5G network to enable low-latency streaming of visual content to wireless VR headsets as part of an immersive training system that allows officers to practice in a realistic yet safe environment without mobility restrictions.
On a national level, Teltronic and Retesec have jointly launched a secure MVNO service for mission-critical communications over ALTÁN Redes’ Band 28/n28 (700 MHz) broadband network, with direct MCX infrastructure integration to support priority access for Mexican public safety and defense authorities, along with redundant multi-operator RAN coverage from Telcel (América Móvil) and AT&T Mexico. The service is also interoperable with existing LMR systems in Mexico.
The City of Buenos Aires has adopted a hybrid narrowband-broadband platform that integrates the Ministry of Justice and Security’s private TETRA network with 3GPP-compliant MCX applications running over the national mobile operator Telecom Argentina’s commercial mobile network, supported by public safety-grade QPP capabilities and an IWF solution for TETRA-MCX interoperability.
In Uruguay, the Ministry of Interior has deployed a private LTE network to reinforce the National Police’s border surveillance capabilities. The network initially covers an area of 12 square kilometers in the Rivera Department and is supplemented by Antel's (National Administration of Telecommunications) commercial RAN coverage, rapidly deployable cell sites, and conventional UHF radio technology.
As part of the safe city component of a broader $32 million E-Government network project, the Guyanese government has deployed a 3GPP-based critical communications network, a unified emergency call center, command center infrastructure, intelligent surveillance cameras, and broadband terminals to enable the Guyana Police Force to improve response times and access critical real-time information.
The report will be of value to current and future potential investors into the public safety LTE and 5G market, as well as LTE/5G equipment suppliers, public safety and government agencies, critical communications service providers, mobile operators, and other ecosystem players who wish to broaden their knowledge of the ecosystem.
For further information concerning the SNS Telecom & IT publication “Public Safety LTE & 5G Market: 2023 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts” please here.
