BDBOS Plays Key Role in Advancing Mission-Critical Communications Through Active Engagement in TCCA

BDBOS has been a committed member of TCCA since its inception, playing an active role in shaping both the present and future of mission-critical communications.

For three decades, The Critical Communication Association (TCCA) has served as a global leader in the development and promotion of standardized mission-critical communications solutions that are secure, highly available, interoperable, and reliable. TCCA brings together industry leaders, government network operators, end users, and experts, providing a unique forum for all stakeholders to exchange ideas, address mission-critical challenges, and drive the advancement of new technologies and open, competitive markets.

The German Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio (BDBOS) has been a committed member of TCCA since its inception, playing an active role in shaping both the present and future of mission-critical communications. As a non-profit, member-driven organization, TCCA operates a range of specialized working groups, addressing key aspects of critical communications. Its membership includes representatives from politics, research, industry, governments, regulatory authorities, utilities, transport companies, and public safety organizations—such as emergency services users and network operators. BDBOS’s long-standing involvement highlights its dedication to the continued global development of secure communications.

TCCA is engaged in a number of international standardization and certification initiatives, including the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for standardization, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) for MCS/MCx Plugtests™, and the Global Certification Forum (GCF) in the certification of 3GPP Mission Critical Services. BDBOS is particularly active in several TCCA working groups, including the Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG), the Security and Fraud Prevention Group (SFPG), and the Legal and Regulatory Working Group (LRWG).

Driving Broadband Technology Innovation

The CCBG is a central force in the development and implementation of global mobile broadband standards designed specifically for public safety users. Its goal is to deliver broadband solutions that meet the critical requirements of these users, with a long-term vision to replace existing narrowband technologies such as TETRA, Tetrapol, and P25. The group is chaired by Tero Pesonen (Erillisverkot, Finland), with Luz Fernández del Rosal (BDBOS) serving as Vice-Chair.

To address the sector’s evolving technical needs, the CCBG establishes topic-specific Task Forces. The BDBOS International Cooperation Team is highly engaged in these groups, including the Broadband Apps Task Force, Massive Mission Critical Video Task Force, High Power User Equipment (HPUE) Task Force, Cybersecurity Task Force, 6G Common Position Task Force, Spectrum Task Force, Broadband Callout Task Force, and Interworking Function Task Force. These Task Forces typically operate for a limited time and publish their findings as recommendations and white papers. In the past year, BDBOS contributed to several important publications, including:

"Mission Critical HPUE Survey Results" (September 2024)
"Mission Critical Broadband Applications Market Survey Results" (November 2024)
"Guidance for the successful usage of Massive Mission Critical Video" (December 2024)

Sustaining Security in Narrowband Networks

Despite the sector’s growing focus on broadband, narrowband technology and its high-security standards remain critical. The Security and Fraud Prevention Group (SFPG) is responsible for upholding security within the TETRA digital radio network, developing implementation standards, and providing recommendations for global security and fraud prevention. Notably, the SFPG has led efforts to create new air interface encryption algorithms to protect against sophisticated threats, including brute-force and quantum-based attacks. BDBOS’s close cooperation with this group helps ensure robust security standards are maintained well into the 2040s.

Setting Regulatory Standards

The Legal and Regulatory Working Group (LRWG), a recent addition to TCCA’s structure, focuses on establishing regulatory frameworks for the use of commercial networks in broadband mission-critical communications. BDBOS continues to support this vital work, helping to define and secure the future of critical communications networks worldwide.