Future Radio Network Supports Inter-Agency Communications at the Monte Carlo Rally

Stakeholders were able to share documents, transmit photographs, and exchange live video streams in real time, contributing to improved situational awareness and more effective monitoring of rally operations and safety measures.

From 22 to 25 January, the iconic Monte Carlo Rally served as a large-scale operational setting for the deployment of the Future Radio Network (FRN), demonstrating its role in supporting autonomous, interoperable communications across multiple agencies during a major international sporting event.

Organised by the Automobile Club of Monaco, the mountain rally mobilised a broad range of security and emergency response stakeholders, including the Directorate General for Civil Security and Crisis Management (DGSCGC) and the Interministerial Staffs of the Southeast and Southern Zones (EMIZ). While Monaco hosted the start and finish, competitive stages extended across several French departments, including Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, and Drôme, creating a complex, multi-jurisdictional operational environment.

Wide-Area Deployment Demonstrates Operational Flexibility

The deployment of the Future Radio Network across this extensive geographical footprint highlighted the system’s ease of implementation and rapid adoption by participating services. Notably, the network was put into operation without the need for specific advance preparation or additional dedicated resources, underlining its suitability for time-critical and dynamic events.

Interconnected Command and Control

To ensure continuity and interoperability of communications, several technical components were deployed during the rally. These included three inter-service command posts enabling coordinated communications, an RRF dispatcher, the ACMOSS VPN, and RRF-enabled smartphones. Together, these elements supported seamless information exchange between agencies operating across different locations and responsibilities.

High-Speed Broadband Enhances Coordination

High-speed broadband capabilities played a central role in operational coordination throughout the event. Stakeholders were able to share documents, transmit photographs, and exchange live video streams in real time, contributing to improved situational awareness and more effective monitoring of rally operations and safety measures.

Future Development Outlook

Feedback from the deployment identified international roaming as a potential area for further development of the Future Radio Network in similar cross-border or international events. Such enhancements are seen as a next step in strengthening the inherent resilience and flexibility of the network for future large-scale deployments.

The Monte Carlo Rally deployment illustrates how modern broadband communication networks can support complex, inter-agency operations, providing a foundation for more integrated and resilient public safety communications in the years ahead.