Tait Communications stands at the forefront of open standards. As a founding member of the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Association, we lead the charge in delivering DMR Tier 3 standard networks for digital trunked radio systems across the globe. We play a pivotal role in the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Project 25 (P25) standards process. These standards are vital to the digital mobile radio industry, ensuring innovation and reliability.
In the realm of critical communications, stakeholders are looking for broadband solutions to enhance their Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks. This movement is piloted by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, which set the benchmark for 4G and 5G technologies. Tait Communications is proud to align with these standards, ensuring our devices are equipped for the future. Our offerings include mission-critical services such as push-to-talk, text, and video (MCX), as well as certifications for mobile operators and equipment. These services highlight our dedication to both innovation and reliability.
Open standards brings a multitude of benefits to users. To better understand these advantages, we recently conducted a LinkedIn poll. This survey invited stakeholders from the public safety and critical communications sectors to share which benefits they find most compelling, providing valuable insights into the industry's evolving needs.
Poll Responses
Nine percent of respondents to the poll highlighted “lower prices” and “avoiding technology obsolescence” as the standout benefits of open standards. By fostering increased competition, open standards naturally drive down costs. When it's time to upgrade and modernize a communications system, these standards ensure that technology keeps pace with advancements, preventing networks from becoming relics of the past.
Approximately 28% of respondents identified “vendor choice” as the most significant advantage of open standards. For years, many public safety and critical infrastructure communications managers have felt tethered to a single vendor. Open standards liberate customers, allowing them to purchase network infrastructure from one provider while selecting mobile and portable radios from multiple vendors. This freedom of choice empowers customers to choose the best products tailored to their needs, independent of who installed the network infrastructure.
The Importance of Interoperability
Notably, more than half (53%) of poll respondents said “interoperability” was the biggest advantage of open standards in the critical communications industry. Interoperability is a huge issue for communications managers around the globe. Communication during disasters is rarely easy and often crosses different agencies and companies, involving several emergency networks. During Hurricane Helene in the U.S., first responders from across the country came to Buncombe County, North Carolina, one of the hardest hit areas to help county and city officials there in the aftermath. Without open standards, interoperability in that situation and others would not happen. Interoperable communications is the key to keeping first responders safe and for the most effective and efficient response to incidents where mutual aid is required.
One way to address interoperability challenges is by purchasing standards-based equipment. P25 equipment that has been assessed and approved under the P25 Compliance Assessment Program (CAP) is the best option to ensure P25 equipment is interoperable. A list of approved grant-eligible P25 equipment is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. The DMR Association developed the DMR Interoperability (IOP) Process, a formal and consistent test mechanism allowing manufacturers to test that their products are compatible. DMR IOP certificates and summary test reports are published on the DMR Association web site. The certificates detail which features have been evaluated, whether interoperability has been achieved, and any other relevant details.
The Interoperability Continuum
Yet, interoperable communications transcend mere standards-based equipment. Recognizing the critical nature of interoperability and the communication failures during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) crafted the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. This initiative aids emergency response agencies and policymakers in navigating the intricate landscape of data and voice communication solutions. The continuum's updates now encompass technologies beyond mission-critical voice, including data interoperability and security.
This strategic tool outlines five essential success elements necessary for achieving a robust interoperability solution: governance, standard operating procedures (SOPs)/standard operating guidelines (SOGs) and field operations guides (FOGs), technology, training and exercises, and the utilization of interoperable communications. Jurisdictions can leverage the Interoperability Continuum to monitor advancements in enhancing interoperable communications.
At Tait Communications, we are eager to deepen our understanding of our community’s interoperability needs. We are preparing to launch a new poll focused on interoperability in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, reach out to Tait if we can assist with your interoperability or communication requirements.
Blog authored by: Sandra Wendelken – Strategy and Insights Manager, Tait Communications
Read the previous Tait Talks: An Advocate for the U.S. Private LMR and Broadband Industry
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