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2 Real-life cases on how to address coverage gaps and ensure broadband capacity »

Agnet with Satcom provides resilience and extended coverage capacity

Emergency services require a reliable communication system to ensure public safety and security at all times. Airbus offers a reliable and effective means of communication that emergency services can depend on. Agnet together with Satcom services offers resilience, extended coverage, and capacity for uninterrupted field collaboration by supporting the use of deployable networks and satellite communications for connectivity.

Our previous article covered the technical aspects of extending broadband coverage for critical communications users. In this blog, we will continue by showcasing two real-life situations that highlight Agnet's significance as a communication and collaboration tool. These cases demonstrate how Agnet adapts to the diverse needs of public safety personnel, whether in rural areas, unexpected natural disaster sites, or planned events in cities.

15 Apr 2024 by Srujan Ageeru | 6 min read
Critical communications , TETRA and 5G , Satcom

How to extend broadband coverage for critical communications users? »

Public safety organisations and users are worried that moving critical communication systems from narrowband such as TETRA and Tetrapol to broadband may not offer enough coverage and capacity. Agnet over Satcom brings a solution to the concerns.

19 Feb 2024 by Tarja Kantola | 5 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Satcom

BroadWay research project for mission-critical communications over broadband

6 proven benefits of mission-critical communications over broadband »

When dealing with the rising number of cross-border incidents, public safety agencies depend on close cooperation and reliable communication with other countries’ agencies. It’s a major challenge, so an EU-funded research initiative, the BroadWay project, was created to prove modern critical communications capabilities for European first responders. Here are six proven benefits first responders...

26 May 2023 by Yves Van Tente | 6 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Why transition towards 5G might be a good idea – right now? »

Safe cities continue to be a hot topic. Cities are facing a number of new security challenges. These include organized crime, climate change and geopolitical threats. They must also deal with restricted budgets. To meet these challenges, critical organizations need new and more efficient ways of working. Overall, they must be able to do more with less. But how can they do this?

15 Mar 2023 by Tapio Savunen | 6 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Push-to-talk service

Woman police officer with a smartphone and a TETRA radio

Why 4G/5G migration projects fail – and how to make sure yours doesn't »

Moving from TETRA or Tetrapol to 4G/5G mission-critical broadband is a huge undertaking and can take years to complete. Organizations want new and better ways of working for their users, but they also want to continue using investment they have already made. During the migration period, operations must also continue without interruptions. But why do migration projects fail – and how can you make...

31 Jan 2023 by Etienne Legendre | 8 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Tetrapol, Push-to-talk service

49 inspiring quotes for ensuring a successful broadband future »

Many organizations want to adopt broadband and smartphones for their professional communications. They see it as a good way to improve operational efficiency, safety and security. But what should every organization think about when planning their broadband future? To help you, we’ve collected these quotes about broadband transformation from some of the critical communications industry's leading...

15 Dec 2022 by Minna Kuronen | 17 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Mission-critical smartphones – Nearly everything you need to know »

A mission-critical smartphone must meet certain key requirements. These requirements cannot be met by a regular smartphone. But what are these key requirements? How do you choose a mission-critical smartphone? How do you manage smartphone risks for professional users? And how do you communicate when your mission-critical smartphone is out of coverage? This blog post answers these questions as...

29 Nov 2022 by Jaakko Tolppanen | 22 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service, Hybrid devices

3 real-life examples of seamless evolution to secure broadband »

Across the world, public safety agencies are taking advantage of new data services, such as video, data analytics and online field reporting. Compared with conventional voice, these services demand more communications capacity, best provided by 4G/5G broadband networks. Agencies can make the move to mission-critical broadband in different ways. Which is the best for you? For some ideas, we look...

23 Sep 2022 by Tapio Savunen | 12 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

TETRA radio user: 5 reasons you should be interested in MCPTT »

TETRA radios are great and mission-critical communications over TETRA provide excellent service. Your operations may depend on certain ways to use radio communications. So, why should you be interested in MCPTT – mission-critical push-to-talk over broadband?

5 Jul 2022 by Timo Toikkanen | 13 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

Airport professional uses a smartphone with Tactilon Agnet

3 reasons June 2022 is the best time for Critical Communications World »

The previous Critical Communications World took place in November 2021 in Madrid. Now it’s June and the CCW comes again – now in Vienna. With only a few months in between, is it too soon? No! On the contrary, this is great timing, and I have three great reasons for you.

7 Jun 2022 by Igor Vinogradoff | 5 min read
Critical communications, Events

Professional-radio-user-on-a-boat-640x420

How to use TETRA and smartphones in a hybrid way »

Do you use TETRA communications and plan to bring smart devices or apps into professional use? If you do, take a look at this blog post. It answers the question “How does TETRA fit with smartphones?”

25 May 2022 by Jukka Saari | 15 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G

The oddest things we thought about professional apps in the past »

Think back 20 years. The TETRA Touch customer magazine introduced 15 applications in its issue 4/2002. These applications included recording and email over TETRA. It also mentioned e-Policing and passenger transport management. Do these apps seem too modern for 20 years ago? Let’s look at app trends back then, a little while ago, and today!

9 May 2022 by Hans-Martin Zimmermann | 11 min read
Public safety apps, Professional apps

9 truths about PTT services and security you wish you had known before »

Professional organizations and teams can already use push-to-talk over 4G broadband. Soon they will also be able to use 5G. A click on a smartphone button or key can connect teams instantly. This is convenient, but if you also need PTT app security, you need to look out for nine things.

11 Apr 2022 by Mika Myllymäki | 14 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

Two German officers, running while carrying a Tactilon Dabat broadband device

TETRA to 4G/5G broadband migration - 14 ways to ensure success »

Critical communications continue to migrate to broadband, and the pace is getting quicker. How should you go about adopting broadband capabilities? And how can you make sure that your TETRA to 4G/5G migration project is a success?

25 Feb 2022 by Niklas Lagerblom | 17 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

Security professional discussing with a police who holds a tablet

How to build broadband for public safety - and get results »

Do you want to make a success of introducing mission-critical broadband to public safety? Learn the three important pointers to a successful project and get a tip on how to get started.

25 Jan 2022 by Tapio Savunen | 8 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Push-to-talk service

Professional in a hard hat uses a tablet at a harbour area.

5 secrets to effective PTT services that really work for you »

Do you think that push-to-talk is old news? Think again! PTT services can be very smart and effective. Discover five secrets to PTT services that will really work for you.

11 Jan 2022 by Sebastian Lang | 10 min read

Airport professional using critical push-to-talk communications

7 ways MNOs can leverage critical push-to-talk to increase revenue »

Today’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) face many challenges. Competition for business is increasing, while existing customers feel free to move to other providers. Revenues are also decreasing, particularly for voice services, which is often viewed as a commodity offer. How can MNOs tap into new revenue? This blog reveals seven interesting ways.

5 Jan 2022 by Thierry Besnier | 7 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

Security professional with Tactilon Agnet in his smartphone

Quick! If you read one thing this year, read one of these! »

Happy Holidays! Here is a summary of the most popular, most attractive contents on the Airbus / Secure Land Communications website. As a bonus, you will learn about the most popular webinar this year.

16 Dec 2021 by Tiina Saaristo | 6 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service, Hybrid devices

Answered: 23 of your most burning questions about push-to-talk and MCPTT »

Mission critical push-to-talk or MCPTT, is a familiar concept in radio communications. It means that you push a button and can instantly talk to your whole team or group. Mission critical broadband enables MCPTT in smart devices, too. Here are answers to the top questions people ask about mission critical PTT.

7 Dec 2021 by Mika Myllymäki | 28 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

7 examples of sustainable structures – number 5 will surprise you »

One of the main aims in sustainability is to use resources wisely. In this short video, there are seven examples of sustainable, eco-friendly structures. And I think number 5 will surprise you.

25 Nov 2021 by Piia Nikula | 6 min read
Events, Push-to-talk service

How professional apps are essential to your success »

Organizations are increasingly looking at professional apps and the Covid-19 pandemic has forced them to create new ways of working – these two findings are from the Airbus mobile apps survey in 2021. How can professional apps improve an organization’s operational efficiency, safety, and security?

11 Nov 2021 by Hans-Martin Zimmermann | 8 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

Learn 54 terms for the broadband future and you’ll work smarter in 2022 »

Are you confused by the terms and abbreviations in broadband communications and IT? Learn these 54 terms and you will be smarter about the broadband future.

29 Oct 2021 by Tiina Saaristo | 33 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Three people in hard hats, walking and discussing. Containers on the background.

5 facts you must know about saving money with strong PTT services »

Strong PTT services are advanced, intelligent push-to-talk services that can be connected to IT systems and sensors. Of course, they allow users to talk, and also share images, video, and location information. Sounds like a great solution – but how can it save money for your organization?

30 Sep 2021 by Mika Myllymäki | 9 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

Igor Vinogradoff hosting the Experts on webinars by Airbus

Three ways the Experts on Mission Critical webinars blew my mind »

Airbus arranged five webinars about mission critical push-to-talk in the autumn of 2020 and another five webinars in 2021. For me, as the host for the webinars, three things really blew my mind!

9 Sep 2021 by Igor Vinogradoff | 7 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Events, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

Industry worker getting support over a video call

9 super useful tips to improve your business with smart PTT services »

Is your organization making the move to Industry 4.0? Would you like to improve processes without big, upfront investments? And of course, with minimum downtime? If so, this may come as a surprise – advanced push-to-talk services can be integrated into your IT systems. And they can help improve your business. These 9 super useful tips tell you how.

30 Aug 2021 by Lotta Lantz | 13 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

How to improve sports event security with mission critical communications »

Think about event security at a football match, for example. How would things be if the people responsible for security could use seamless, mission critical communications? What if different communication technologies could actually work together? What if the people event staff could enjoy a smooth mission critical user experience? …That time may be closer than you think.

3 Aug 2021 by Piia Nikula | 7 min read
Critical communications, Push-to-talk service

Paramedic and security professional in a time critical situation

Which 3 requirements must mission critical communications meet? »

Public safety organizations and many other professionals need to communicate when coordinating operations and tasks. Communication is critical to react and respond effectively. These professionals need mission critical communications, and such communications must meet three requirements.

27 Jul 2021 by Tiina Saaristo | 8 min read
Critical communications

5 great reasons your medical teams should adopt group communications »

If caring for desperately sick or injured people is not mission critical, then I don’t know what is. Nothing is more important than saving lives. When every second counts, healthcare professionals need quick, reliable communications. And there are 5 great reasons that medical teams should adopt group communications.

20 Jul 2021 by Jouni Kemppainen | 11 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, Comms for medical teams, Push-to-talk service

The first things you need to know about adopting mission-critical smartphones and apps »

Public safety organizations and businesses already use smart devices for non-critical purposes. Now however, thanks to 5G technology, these organizations can have mission-critical broadband that ensures the use of smart devices in all of their critical operations. So how should organizations go about this adoption?

18 Jun 2021 by Catalin Gheorghiu | 11 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Hybrid devices

7 things you need to know about PTT services »

A push-to-talk (PTT) solution lets you talk to a group of people at the press of a button. With PTT on your smartphone, you don't have to waste time making multiple calls to coordinate with your team. But that’s just the start. Choose a strong PTT service and you can expect even more. How much more? Read these 7 tips about PTT services to find out. Some of them may surprise you!

28 May 2021 by Piia Nikula | 9 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

14 tips for smart device management success »

Has your organization decided to use smart or hybrid devices? Great! But before you jump into the buying phase, take some time and plan one thing: how to configure and manage those devices and their apps. To help you, here are 14 handy tips about device management.

27 Apr 2021 by Ewa Wlodarczyk | 16 min read
Professional apps, Hybrid devices

Two police officers working with Tactilon Dabat hybrid device

Why do people think hybrid solutions are a good idea? »

What do organizations seek to achieve with hybrid networks? Over the last five years, visitors to the Airbus/SLC website have been asked this when they have expressed an interest for hybrid solutions and broadband evolution. Most of the respondents think that hybrid networks are a good idea for five reasons.

30 Mar 2021 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 10 min read
Critical communications

How to recognize a professional push-to-talk application »

A professional push-to-talk app has to deliver certain things which a generic PTT app cannot deliver at all. When choosing a PTT app for professional use, what should you look for? We look at 17 must-haves for a professional PTT app.

16 Feb 2021 by Pierre-Yves Roy | 10 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

What is the surprising benefit from Industry 4.0 for enterprises? »

Did you know that there is a way for enterprises and industrial sites to get a surprising benefit from Industry 4.0 transformation? Put your data backbone to work and you could fix things faster, get more flexibility with remote access, and avoid compromising security. What is it that can deliver all this to industrial sites and enterprises?

5 Feb 2021 by Timo Harju | 7 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

7 quick tips: this year's best pieces of content »

Happy Holidays! Take a look at the most popular, most attractive contents on the Airbus / Secure Land Communications website. As a bonus, I will also recommend one topical blog post and one interesting document which both deserve a wider audience!

21 Dec 2020 by Tiina Saaristo | 8 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

How to avoid the 7 biggest location tracking mistakes »

Bringing smart or hybrid devices into professional use involves a lot of decisions - in many cases, they're not ones you want to jump into without a little thought or planning. Introducing location tracking of people and objects is one of these, but some common mistakes can restrict your results, often without you even realizing they exist. There are seven common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

1 Dec 2020 by Mika Myllymäki | 12 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps, Hybrid devices

Four facts that make you smarter about professional app trends »

In 2020, the fifth consecutive Airbus survey into the state of professional apps gathered insights from hundreds of professionals like yourself. The survey identified how your peers adopt apps, and this year’s report reveals their priorities, challenges and plans as well. What were the key findings? Let’s find out.

20 Nov 2020 by Tapio Savunen | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

Do you have this wrong idea about IP protection ratings for mobile devices? »

What do you think - which mobile device has better protection against dust and water, one with IP65 classification or another that is IP67 rated? IP67, right? Because the number is bigger? Wrong. A mobile device with IP67 rating is not necessarily better than IP65. But why? This blog post explains all about IP protection ratings.

12 Nov 2020 by Jukka Saari | 9 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, Hybrid devices

Igor Vinogradoff hosting an Experts on critical push-to-talk webinar episode

3+1 secrets of successful webinars »

With the Covid crisis devastating 2020’s exhibition and business events calendar, causing widespread cancellations, events managers are rethinking their approach and coming up with new ideas. Online now leads the way, but what are the secrets of a successful webinar?

5 Nov 2020 by Igor Vinogradoff | 6 min read
Critical communications, Events

Firefighter carrying Tactilon Dabat in a carrying solution, graffiti on the background

Why professional smartphones need secure, special gadgets »

This is the fifth in a series of blogs on how to bring smart and hybrid devices, complete with apps, into professional use. The posts cover key topics that help organizations move from traditional radio communication to a system that adds complementary broadband data. Today’s question is: Why do professional smartphones need secure, special gadgets?

27 Oct 2020 by Jukka Saari | 16 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

Man in helmet in an industrial environment

Fear? Not if you secure your push-to-talk cloud the right way! »

Many professional organizations see a lot of potential in having their communication services hosted in the cloud, but have some concerns about data security. Should they be afraid of the cloud? Do cloud services bring more benefits than they raise security concerns?

13 Oct 2020 by Mika Myllymäki | 10 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Push-to-talk service

9 proven methods that are winning Mexican citizens' trust »

If people don’t trust the police, they are less likely to call them for help, which undermines the justice system. Recognizing the importance of public confidence, Querétaro state in Mexico has implemented several initiatives to build greater trust in its police. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Juan Martin Granados Torres, Secretary of Government, State of Querétaro, reveals nine proven methods...

6 Oct 2020 by Sergio Solorzano | 10 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Tetrapol

Two men in helmets, looking at a hybrid smart device

Professional apps vs. mainstream apps – what is the difference? »

Imagine a police officer, or anyone who uses a professional radio. They may look at a smartphone and then at their radio and think: “I could use some of these smart apps in my job. They would make my work a lot easier and more efficient.” Could it work? Would it be a good idea? How do consumer apps differ from professional apps?

22 Sep 2020 by Tapio Mäkinen | 11 min read
Public safety apps, Professional apps

Industry professional in a colourful, digital environment

15 things your boss expects you to know about RFID, NFC and IoT »

Let’s say your organization has decided to adopt broadband and apps for professional use. How are RFID, NFC and IoT related to that? Do you need to consider these technologies? If yes, then how? This blog post gives you an overview.

28 Aug 2020 by Jukka Saari | 19 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

Security professional with Tactilon Dabat hybrid device, points with finger

Five must-have features of a hybrid TETRA+LTE device »

What are the most important features of a hybrid (dual-mode) device to help public safety and other industry professionals in their daily work? Who better to ask than the users themselves with their years of experience in using mobile communications in the field? That’s what we did and discovered five features that are essential in a hybrid TETRA+LTE device.

4 Aug 2020 by Catalin Gheorghiu | 11 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Paramedic/nurse uses a push to talk app on a smartphone

One surprising way for medical teams to increase productivity »

There are three common situations where one surprising thing can really make a difference for medical teams and healthcare professionals. This one thing can save time, increase productivity and help improve the quality of care. How is this possible…and what is it?

24 Jul 2020 by Jouni Kemppainen | 7 min read
Comms for medical teams

Do you know the secret about Watts and TETRA radio power? (Nobody else will tell you) »

Did you believe that higher output power in your TETRA radio gets you better radio coverage? If so, think again.

14 Jul 2020 by Jukka Saari | 7 min read
TETRA radios

Two-police-with-Tactilon-Dabat-boat-on-the-background-640x420

What does 'TETRA over LTE' mean? »

TETRA over LTE? Public safety LTE? What do these things really mean? Ask an engineer for the meaning of TETRA over LTE and they may say something like: "TETRA over LTE is an LTE smart device application and an interface in the TETRA service core to connect from the smart device to TETRA services, using a secured VPN tunnel over LTE data access." Okay, but what does that mean in everyday terms?

30 Jun 2020 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 10 min read
Critical communications

5 fascinating ways to use critical professional apps »

According to Airbus' sixth annual mobile apps survey, one of the biggest challenges faced by user organizations is finding apps that solve real problems, while also being secure. To help you narrow down your search, here are five of the most fascinating examples of LTE and TETRA working with applications.

17 Jun 2020 by Rahim Zaknoun | 12 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

Security conscious professionals need ultimate protection from eavesdroppers

How to use 7 communication security strategies like the pros »

Critical organizations need total security for their professional communications. In addition, it is vital to ensure security in other areas. The following are seven strategies of communication security that need to be used so that operations do not become compromised.

5 Jun 2020 by Tiina Saaristo | 8 min read
Critical communications

A professional uses professional apps for work

Six professional app trends you need to know »

Users are increasingly ready for secure, professional and even cloud-based apps to be part of their operations. This is one of the notable trends revealed by Airbus’ latest survey into the professional apps market. What else did the survey find?

6 May 2020 by Tapio Savunen | 7 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

How to revolutionize your sites with the new hybrid solution »

Public safety operators face several trends and challenges that pull them in different directions. They need to keep their customers, the public safety organisations, happy. But this is only one of the challenges...

27 Apr 2020 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 5 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

3 important benefits from hybrid communications at Dubai Airport »

Dubai International airport (DXB) is the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic. Their use of advanced hybrid communications has brought them three important benefits.

31 Mar 2020 by Iliass Tamouro | 5 min read
Critical communications, Airport comms, TETRA and 5G

Two paramedics are pulling a gurney towards an ambulance

Effective communication boosts preparedness in healthcare and hospitals »

During challenging times, secure and reliable communications in healthcare can improve operational efficiency and response times significantly. However, all the procedures must be planned beforehand in order to be ready to apply them immediately when needed.

19 Mar 2020 by Jouni Kemppainen | 6 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, Comms for medical teams

How to skillfully integrate PMR with an advanced push-to-talk service? »

Are your factory's processes depending on efficient communication? Here are some good news. Advanced PTT brings technological improvements that your previous onsite communication system could only dream of: Enhanced audio quality means clearer instructions and requests. This means fewer misunderstandings and greater responsiveness. Users can send images and videos. They say a picture is worth a...

7 Feb 2020 by Mika Myllymäki | 8 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps

Swedish-paramedics-communicating-640x420

How to improve situational awareness when managing large events - case football fireworks »

Security systems that share intelligence allow for collaboration and go beyond radio communications to empower professionals to focus fully on their mission. Just imagine the following drama -

13 Jan 2020 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 5 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Events

Hybrid-roaming-on-Tactilon-Dabat-screen-640px-wide

Want to get the most out of TETRA and 4G/5G? Follow this tip »

There is a lot of talk about TETRA and 4G/5G, both together and separately. Some may think that TETRA is already yesterday’s technology and 4G/5G is the bright hope of tomorrow. The truth is that both have their benefits and limitations – but the trick is how to combine these technologies to get the best of both worlds?

18 Dec 2019 by Catalin Gheorghiu | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

Paramedic-with-video-sharing-app_600x394

Professional apps – what do users need right now? »

Public safety and other professionals have come a long way with mobile apps, with around two thirds now using apps in their day-to-day work. The landscape is very different from only five years ago. User organizations are no longer simply planning to use mobile apps, but are making growing use of the many advantages that apps have to offer. Yet, apps are still not being adopted in a professional...

11 Dec 2019 by Tapio Savunen | 4 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

How to easily adopt a smart push-to-talk solution for industry use »

Many industries are currently facing the need for digitalizing their team communication solutions. Moving from push-to-talk radios to futureproof smart solutions requires lots of planning to succeed. But how to avoid major pitfalls in transition? And how to guarantee the continuity of operations and to keep up the performance throughout the changes?

5 Dec 2019 by Piia Nikula | 6 min read
Critical communications, Professional apps

German police officers with Tactilon Dabat duty smartphone

Battery life: What to look for in your duty smartphone? »

As a mission-critical user, you do not want your devices to run out of battery in critical situations. But what do you need to know about battery life before bringing smartphones or hybrid devices into professional use? What are the most important smartphone battery requirements? There are five essential things you’ll want to consider.

25 Oct 2019 by Jukka Saari | 9 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

What is the secret recipe for successful public safety command? »

People living in Mexico’s state of Querétaro are among the safest in the country – and with 2,000,000 citizens to look after, keeping them that way is a tall order. One of the world’s most exciting and modern command centres is part of the reason. But what’s behind the centre’s success?

25 Jun 2019 by Minna Kuronen | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps, Tetrapol

Security-professional-looks-at-Tactilon-Dabat-640px-wide

This is what professionals really want to know about hybrid devices »

If you’re keen to know how to get the best of professional radio and combine it with all the advantages of modern smartphone apps, you’ve come to the right place. Over the last three years, visitors to our website have been telling us about their biggest challenges when buying radios. One of the most common topics was about how to combine TETRA and 4G/5G. Inspired by that, I present “17 questions...

18 Jun 2019 by Catalin Gheorghiu | 23 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

Printable-15-brilliant-quotes-on-critical-communications-future-640px-wide

14 brilliant quotes on the critical communications future »

The critical communications sector faces unprecedented pressure and change. Transformative technologies, political turbulence, social recalibration – little is as it was even a few years ago. To provide insight for you in this challenging situation, we asked a selection of the industry’s leading thinkers to share their views of the future of critical communications and the challenges that many...

17 May 2019 by Tiina Saaristo | 5 min read
Critical communications

Guangzhou-policewoman-uses-smartphone-640x420

Manage your smartphones, hybrid devices and apps - professionally »

Welcome to the first in a series of blog posts on how to bring smart and hybrid devices into professional use. We will cover many topics, from tools to processes to features, offering help to organizations tackling this type of transition. A hybrid device is one that takes advantage of a PMR technology such as TETRA, Tetrapol or DMR and complements that with broadband. Today’s question is: How...

17 Apr 2019 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 4 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

Female-security-officer-uses-a-smartphone-640x420

4 simple ways to ensure a better broadband future »

Mobile broadband is clearly in the sights of many organizations using narrowband radio communications. They see mobile broadband as an effective way to achieve new levels of operational efficiency, safety and security. But what are the essential considerations every operator should think about when planning a broadband future?

1 Feb 2019 by Tapio Savunen | 6 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G, Tetrapol

Paramedic-talking-to-TH9-TETRA-radio-640x420

7 ways to make the most of a single key press on the radio »

You depend on your TETRA radio every day. It must be easy to use. Yet today’s radios are super-powerful tools with many features and options. A logical menu structure makes it intuitive to navigate to and select any of the radio’s capabilities. However, to activate your most commonly used functions, what could be quicker and easier than a single key press? Here are seven useful (and potentially...

13 Dec 2018 by Jukka Saari | 8 min read
TETRA radios

Two-men-in-conversation-one-with-a-tablet-device-640x420

What everyone is saying about professional apps »

The third Airbus survey into the state of the professional mobile apps market ran from November 2017 to January 2018. We analysed the 112 responses to the survey and this blog post summarises what we found.

23 Nov 2018 by Rahim Zaknoun | 16 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

How to solve TETRA radio buyers' top 5 problems »

What is your biggest challenge when buying TETRA radios? That's the question we put to our readers. People like you. Hundreds responded. Their answers are revealing. It seems there are five top issues radio buyers face, from getting best value for money to ensuring total security. This post reveals how to solve these top five challenges.

1 Oct 2018 by Jukka Saari | 13 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios

Two firemen working in smoke, wearing gas masks

Extreme traffic? Here's how to keep your critical users always connected »

Do your key radio users need to keep in touch, even when traffic reaches extreme levels, say during a serious incident or at a major event? If so, there are two solutions that could be just what you’re looking for - and as a bonus, they are also very cost-effective to set up and use.

13 Sep 2018 by Janne Tarkiainen | 7 min read
Critical communications

Will it work? Professional app prototype at the Critical App Challenge 2018

What Wikipedia can't tell you about hackathons »

Buzzword it might be, but the term “hackathon” frequently comes up in discussions. Yet, do you know what a hackathon actually is and why they are organized? What is so great about working 24 hours straight or a whole weekend, bringing your idea to life? Participants in an Airbus Critical App Challenge – a hackathon like event – reveal things that you won’t find elsewhere.

13 Mar 2018 by Tapio Mäkinen | 5 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

A nurse uses a shoulder holder to carry her TH1n radio

7 reasons why you don't need a more powerful radio »

A patchy radio connection and black spots are definitely to be avoided when professionals need a radio for their jobs. To avoid such issues, you might think it reasonable to specify a radio with more output power. It’s a logical, gut reaction - but not really helpful! Why? Here are 7 reasons why a higher-power radio is not the best answer when you want more coverage and better communication.

23 Jan 2018 by Jukka Saari | 5 min read
TETRA radios

Check these 5 things before buying a professional application »

Need to save lives, but also want to save time and money? Tick off these requirements and get the professional apps you need.

20 Nov 2017 by Catalin Gheorghiu | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, Professional apps

How a hybrid TETRA and broadband network helps you avoid risks »

Today, you may have a TETRA network which you and the users are happy with. Chances are, you may still be looking for ways to complement its voice and narrowband data with new mobile applications on smart devices. Are you worried about the continuity of your current communications? Do you want to avoid four particular risks?

3 Nov 2017 by Tapio Mäkinen | 4 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Security personnel uses PMR radio in Direct Mode DMO

The best way to boost Direct Mode range may surprise you »

It seems obvious, doesn’t it? The more output power a TETRA radio has, the further it will reach in Direct Mode? But not so, think again. In fact, more power will not give you a much better TETRA radio range in Direct Mode (DMO). Read on to learn why – and to discover the best way to achieve the best Direct Mode range.

9 Oct 2017 by Jukka Saari | 4 min read
TETRA radios

What virtual reality could mean for you professionally - right now »

A fire brigade commander looks around at the devastating scene before him – a burning lorry is overturned on the highway, threatening to set fire to other vehicles. Injured people stagger from their cars, helped by paramedics and firefighters. Yet, he has not left his control room. How is it possible?

11 Sep 2017 by Rahim Zaknoun | 3 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

5 big benefits of hybrid networks for smart airports »

Airports depend on professional radio communications to run their operations smoothly. By going ‘smart’ and adopting a hybrid network that delivers the best of both TETRA and broadband broadband solutions, airports can reduce operating costs, manage flights more effectively and improve security.

18 Aug 2017 by Tapio Mäkinen | 4 min read
Critical communications, Airport comms, TETRA and 5G

Be a better TETRA radio buyer - 7 tips that really work »

So it’s finally time. You’ve decided your organization needs new TETRA radios. Maybe your next step is to write a RFP (request for proposal), send it out to radio vendors and choose the best offer.But, how do you identify the best fit? How can you know the radios will meet your needs? How do you pick a vendor that “gets you” and understands the challenges you face? Clearly, you need to identify a...

11 Aug 2017 by Bruno Milard | 9 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios

Security professional holding a smart device

Your ABC guide to smartphone security terms »

Do you sometimes get lost in the world of acronyms and abbreviations? It seems like every day there is a new TLA, or Three Letter Acronym, to wrap our heads around. Even the terms that are not abbreviated may be confusing. This blog post explains13 terms related to smartphone security.

30 Jun 2017 by Christophe Calvez | 7 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications

Success stories and case studies from around the world »

Across the world, professionals rely on their radios when communication is critical. Our customers are professionals representing public safety, transport, industry and other organizations who need reliable and secure radio communication solutions in their daily work. Meet some of our customers through Customer Stories!

16 Jun 2017 by Tapio Mäkinen | 3 min read
Critical communications

Airport worker uses the Tactilon Agnet app for professional communications

Why a hybrid network is a great idea for airports »

Arriving at an airport, whether for a holiday or a business trip, you expect things to go smoothly. Check-in, security, luggage handling, boarding – all depend on good communications. This blog post explains why a hybrid TETRA/broadband network really meets an airport’s needs.

9 Jun 2017 by Tapio Mäkinen | 4 min read
Airport comms, TETRA and 5G

How to fix 4 common problems for medical teams »

All medical professionals face the same problem – constantly up against the clock while trying to save lives. This involves plenty of teamwork, particularly in trauma teams and emergency surgery. Delaying an extra second could mean someone’s life, so it’s vital that team members work together seamlessly. But even the most efficient teams need a little help.Professional radio communications can...

2 Jun 2017 by Jouni Kemppainen | 6 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, Comms for medical teams

A few of my favourite things at CCW 2017 »

This year saw my second CCW event, but it was far from being a case of “Déjà-vu”. In my earlier blog post I promised that Airbus would not repeat itself and we did some things very differently. Here are five of my favourites:

26 May 2017 by Igor Vinogradoff | 5 min read
Critical communications, Events

What is the professional approach to smartphone security? »

Applications for smartphones go together like strawberries and cream – but where there are apps, there is danger for the smartphone user. Because they are widely used and easy to develop software for, cybercriminals are increasingly targeted Android-based and other mobile devices, using apps as a way in. How should professionals safeguard against this threat?

12 May 2017 by Christophe Calvez | 3 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications

Tactilon Agnet Field Commander - Control room in the field

Which apps would professionals like to use? »

Let’s get one thing straight – smartphones and apps aren't just for consumers. Professional organisations, including police, fire fighters and paramedics, are using apps. But which apps are they using and what would they like to use more of? The second Airbus Mobile App Survey provides some of the answers.

21 Apr 2017 by Mika Myllymäki | 3 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications

What makes a great user management tool for hybrid networks? »

If your organization has both smartphone users and PMR radio users, are you managing them in the best way? Some users will carry both devices, and will be on different networks. How can you stay on top if your subscriber management tools are separate? There are several characteristics that separate superb subscriber management from the rest of the pack. Here are five must-haves for efficient...

31 Mar 2017 by Rahim Zaknoun | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Making the difficult easier - ISI is coming to life »

TETRA is a marvelous tool for communicating between individuals, groups and organisations but what of the next level – between whole countries? It is certainly possible – the Inter System Interface or ISI has been around for some years but only now is it really starting to bring practical results as countries link up their authority TETRA networks.

24 Mar 2017 by Tapio Mäkinen | 4 min read
Critical communications, TETRA and 5G

Active paging lets you know who’s ready to help »

Modern pagers don’t just go beep. Two-way comms let you know exactly who is coming to help with your emergency.

3 Mar 2017 by Petra Vakiala | 3 min read
Paging

How to avoid 5 communication challenges thanks to your radio »

Do you find your radios difficult to use? Ever have the signal drop out, cutting you off from dispatchers? Read on to discover how TETRA radios can solve these challenges as well as others that users and the network may face.

3 Feb 2017 by Jukka Saari | 5 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios

Smarter radios rewrite the rules »

Ever wondered why TETRA radios work the way they do? Could they be more like the devices we use in our everyday lives? Can a smartphone cut it in the demanding world of emergency services? The whole concept of professional communication is changing as it adapts to new ways that people work. A novel product is set to rewrite the rules of professional communication. Read on for the full story.

20 Jan 2017 by Mika Myllymäki | 4 min read
Public safety apps, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G

Why group calls must tick the critical communications boxes »

We often see tables comparing radio technologies or solutions, with 'group call' marked with a single yes/no check box. Yet, is that really fair? A group call is much more than 'yes, it can be done', or 'no, only one-to-one calls are possible'. How much more? A lot more. Here are ten capabilities that first spring to mind when I think about group calls.

6 Jan 2017 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 7 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios

Two police officers look at Tactilon Dabat smart device

Eight tips to extend the battery life for your duty smartphone »

Your new duty mobile phone or hybrid device looks good and will keep you and your customers safe – but how do you make sure you will still have battery power left at the end of your shift? Most smartphones use Li-On batteries these days – and here are eight great ways to make your device run for longer between recharges.

16 Dec 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 6 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications

Six reasons TETRA base stations fascinate me »

Engineers are awesome. I love it when they talk about their area of expertise. They may start a sentence in a regular way and then continue with a flow of terms and abbreviations that mean little to me. They often get quite excited about this too. It’s fascinating. I also love engineers because they design and make things - such as base stations that serve PMR radios. Here are six reasons why I...

2 Dec 2016 by Tiina Saaristo | 6 min read
Critical communications

The question you should ask when people use TETRA radios and smartphones »

An increasing number of professional organizations seem to have started adopting broadband simply by taking out cellular subscriptions, in much the same way as the consumer world works. This can of course solve many short-term issues and even improve the efficiency of a single person. Yet, there is a risk if the organization doesn’t ask one important question before launching into action:

25 Nov 2016 by Rahim Zaknoun | 5 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, TETRA and 5G

TETRA on a smartphone - and four other gains from a modernized network »

You are running your faithful, reliable TETRA network and it is serving you well. It ain’t broke, so you aren’t thinking of fixing it. But maybe your TETRA network could serve you or your customers even better. For example, did you know that networks running the latest software could give you five very attractive new options?

18 Nov 2016 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 4 min read
Critical communications

Could these nine professional applications work for you too? »

We hear a lot about public safety applications, or apps, designed for professionals, but how would they work in real life? How would a police officer or paramedic actually use them to make their working day go more smoothly? Take police officer John, for example. During the first half hour of his working day, he could easily need and benefit from the following nine apps – and more.

11 Nov 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 5 min read
Public safety apps, Critical communications

A professional application that could save your life »

At a major accident, casualties need to be treated as soon as possible. But what if there are more injured people than ambulances to carry them? The solution is effective triage – deciding who needs to get to hospital immediately and who can be treated later or at the scene. Today it’s done manually using coloured paper labels – but there is a better way.

28 Oct 2016 by Jouni Kemppainen | 3 min read
Critical communications, TETRA radios, Comms for medical teams

TETRA and your smartphone? It's a marriage made in heaven »

Tactilon Agnet continues to be a hot topic and people are really interested in it. No wonder! The app lets people vital to an operation to be connected easily and securely, even when they are using different devices or even different technologies in a hybrid environment. It took me some time to learn the important facts about it, and here's the summary of my findings - I hope you will find this...

14 Oct 2016 by Petra Vakiala | 4 min read
Public safety apps, TETRA and 5G, Professional apps

What do these outstanding metro companies have in common? »

What do these metro companies have in common: Shenzhen Metro in China, RATP Paris in France, Malaga Metro in Spain, and BVG Berlin Metro in Germany? And how is the Helsinki metro the same with a difference? They all have three vital needs for professional communications, but these companies have something else in common as well.

7 Oct 2016 by Tapio Mäkinen | 7 min read
Critical communications

How to build your critical communications investment strategy »

These days, mobile broadband seems to be used by everyone everywhere, such is its phenomenal growth in the last few years. But if you think the technology has reached its limit in how it can be used, think again because the future will bring a myriad of new uses in all aspects of life. Not least of which is its use for mission critical applications, supported by ongoing progress in...

30 Sep 2016 by Tiina Saaristo | 5 min read
TETRA and 5G

The truth about smartphones: What professionals need but don't get »

Having a smartphone with a push-to-talk function for group communication with a team of people sounds great. For example, volunteers working in an operation led by fire and rescue teams could use their smartphones and a push-to-talk application to communicate in professional TETRA talk groups. It sounds cool but how practical are today's smartphones in practice? Can they deliver the five things...

26 Aug 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 5 min read
Public safety apps

Priorities-are-important-in-professional-radio-communication-640x420.jpg

Expert advice: 5 things that professional push-to-talk can do »

The group call is the most important feature in professional radio communication. With one simple, push-to-talk button, a user is connected to many colleagues at the same time. It’s the ultimate in working together and is very easy to use in professional radio systems such as TETRA. In contrast, in cellular systems, linking up several people to talk together requires setting up a conference call...

19 Aug 2016 by Tiina Saaristo | 8 min read
Critical communications

PMR-evolution-is-not-only-a-question-of-technology-640x420.jpg

Do you think PMR evolution is only a question of technology? »

The near future will see more and more calls to emergency centres arriving in a digital format. There are 5 important reminders of making multimedia-capable critical communication networks happen. And it is not only a question of technology!

5 Aug 2016 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 4 min read
Critical communications

How to get the right balance into your radio RFP »

You already have or use a TETRA network. But what about your TETRA radios? Are they still meeting the needs of your organisation and users? Or do you need to buy new devices to meet demand? The benefits of new radios can certainly be worth it - they can make your staff’s everyday tasks easier, help them be more effective, or even save money for you. But how can you best specify what you need?

29 Jul 2016 by Satu Lamberg | 2 min read
TETRA radios

5 things you need to stop asking in your radio RFP/RFQ »

So you want to buy new radios for use on your TETRA network. You’ll probably have read lots of good advice already, telling you to do this and that if you want to get the ones that are right for you. But, what about the things you shouldn’t do? When buying new radios, which five things should you stop asking in your Request for Proposals (RFP)?

23 Jun 2016 by Satu Lamberg | 2 min read
TETRA radios

How to be right about PMR evolution to public safety broadband »

Imagine how much better a fire and rescue service could work if its staff could easily send live video images of the incident to the control room. Or if a police officer could complete their admin tasks during a coffee break, while remaining in their patrol car, out on the beat? Broadband technologies can make these opportunities real for public safety organizations. But how do we get to this new...

3 Jun 2016 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 3 min read
Critical communications

What is the right number of devices to carry? »

What do you carry on duty? Your mission-critical radio. Smartphone. Mini-printer. Flashlight. Digital camera. Body worn camera. Tazer. Night-stick? Could you reduce the number of devices you carry? And how would you do it? Should you do it?

20 May 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 7 min read
TETRA and 5G

What you need to know about radio battery life »

When the battery runs down on the TETRA radio, people usually blame ... the batteries. But you have a lot of control over how long your batteries work. Here are seven tricks that can make your TETRA radio battery last longer:

29 Apr 2016 by Jukka Saari | 3 min read
TETRA radios

How to decide on your radio communication technology now »

If you have followed the trends of the PMR market, you must be aware of the discussion and publicity around LTE and broadband. We are on the brink of a transformation in critical communications – apparently. All this hype is confusing especially if you are in the process of specifying a new radio communication system for your organisation.

22 Apr 2016 by Tiina Saaristo | 3 min read
TETRA and 5G

When push comes to broadband »

New apps are making super-convenient push-to-talk do more...

25 Feb 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 3 min read
Public safety apps

Want a smooth evolution to broadband? Get 3 things right and you're good to go »

You’re keen to offer broadband to your professional network users and want a stress-free evolution towards it – but do you know the three key things that will ensure it all goes without a hitch? There’s no great secret - an IP backbone, a focus on network experience and the ability to handle both PMR and broadband will put you on the right road.

29 Jan 2016 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 5 min read
Critical communications

What are people thinking about professional apps? »

Nearly three-quarters of professional organisations are either using or planning to use mobile apps in the near future. These users are taking the app message onboard and making use of the many advantages that apps have to offer in critical communications.

15 Jan 2016 by Mika Myllymäki | 2 min read
Public safety apps

Smooth operators - what do the best performing airports have in common? »

It’s very likely that you have travelled at least through one airport in 2015. And even if you didn’t, you are certain to know that modern airports are very much like small cities or large villages. Hundreds or thousands of people work there to ensure smooth passage for the travellers.

8 Jan 2016 by Tapio Mäkinen | 4 min read
Airport comms

10 brilliant public safety apps for professionals »

Police officers could scan crowds for known criminals, fugitives, or terrorists using facial recognition applications. Commanding officers could soon be able to track firefighters inside burning buildings where GPS does not go. And emergency medical care personnel could soon be able to observe patients for symptoms — before the ambulance reaches the scene of the accident. Which applications would...

18 Dec 2015 by Mika Myllymäki | 5 min read
Public safety apps

Five ways TETRA paging will transform your work »

When alerting your staff, do you always know who got the call? How many are on their way to help? Active paging over TETRA can give you the answers.

4 Dec 2015 by Antti Eskelinen | 3 min read

To modernize or not - that is not a question for the BOS »

Since I work for a PMR manufacturer, I usually get a customer's view on technical details only. In the PMR Expo conference, however, I got too see the big picture. The big picture of the world's biggest public safety TETRA network.

27 Nov 2015 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 2 min read
Critical communications

The 10 things that make a PMR radio easy to use »

You use your radio every day. You need it to be reliable and also easy to use. You know how to use a familiar radio, of course, but how do you know if a model that is new to you will be easy to use? How can you choose? The following are the ten most critical questions on usability. Check these when you are comparing radios and want to choose the easiest to use Tetrapol or TETRA radio.

6 Nov 2015 by Bruno Milard | 8 min read
Critical communications

New ideas for paging »

Think about a pager. Did you imagine a small beeping device? That only displayed a number to call as soon as possible? If you did, your idea is old. Paging today can offer much more!

30 Oct 2015 by Antti Eskelinen | 5 min read
Paging

Public safety? There's an app for that »

This is the age of the app. We have all become used to the power of running apps on our smartphones – so why should public safety workers be left out? Public safety organisations have huge opportunities with new smart devices and new apps. These become possible in hybrid networks that combine the extremely secure and reliable TETRA/Tetrapol networks with mobile broadband data services. Public...

16 Oct 2015 by Mika Myllymäki | 4 min read
Public safety apps

10 LTE facts that are NOT just for nerds »

Have you ever Googled LTE, trying to find a real answer to your question? Maybe you were disappointed at the results. I know I was: the resulting pages were full of acronyms and technicalese. Luckily, I know some experts who also speak human, in addition to technicalese. With their help, I’ve made a list of 10 things you should know about LTE.

1 Oct 2015 by Päivi Laakso-Kuivalainen | 5 min read

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