Omdia Crit Comms Circle

In this episode, Paul speaks with Martin Ekman, Global Business Development Director for Axis Body Worn Solutions at Axis Communications, about the rapid expansion of body-worn cameras beyond traditional law enforcement into enterprise markets like retail, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Martin shares insights on how mission-critical features, connectivity advances, and evolving use cas...

In this episode, Alfonso de la Cruz sits down with Ozge Russell, Senior Analyst at Omdia's Smart Building and Energy team, fresh from DistribuTech 2026 in San Diego. Together, they unpack why utilities are facing their most significant transformation since electrification began, and how grid edge intelligence is becoming the frontline defense against complexity, outages, and skyrocketing demand. H...

In this episode, we dive into Omdia's latest market reports on body worn cameras and broadband critical communications, exploring how frontline device convergence is creating a unified data ecosystem for mission critical operations. The discussion covers the evolution from hardware bloat to intelligent orchestration, the transitional period of hybrid devices, and the expansion of critical technolo...

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of systems connectivity, including the successful implementation of cross-border communication using Inter-System Interface (ISI) and how this experience laid the foundation for bridging legacy LMR systems with MCX broadband solutions. We are joined by Michel Duits, a Senior Principal Engineer at Norway's Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), where he le...

In this episode, we look ahead to 2026 and explore the trends, technologies, and challenges set to shape the year across critical communications, public safety, and mission-critical operations. We’re joined once again by the team from Informa, Alfonso, Donny, and Erin, for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from AI and cybersecurity to interoperability, platforms, video, drones, and eme...

In this special end-of-year wrap-up episode of the Crit Comms Circle, we look back at 2025 and reflect on the key developments that shaped the critical communications industry over the past 12 months. Joined by Alfonso, Donny, and Erin, the team revisits the announcements, trends, and market shifts that moved the industry from discussion to action. From ESN milestones and MCX momentum to AI adopti...

In this episode, we explore one of the biggest shifts shaping today’s mission-critical communications industry: the evolution toward unified platforms. As public safety operations become increasingly data-driven, the line between voice, data, and multimedia continues to blur. This change is driving agencies to seek greater interoperability, flexibility, and—above all—choice. With the recent announ...

In this special episode of the Crit Comms Circle podcast, we're sharing the audio from our recent guest appearance on Making Waves, the podcast hosted by DAMM Cellular.  We joined Lone Hansen, Stuart Will, and Hauke Holm over at their podcast, Making Waves, for a conversation that spanned the global trends we're seeing across the industry. This big-picture conversation explores where the industry...

In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest shifts in the public safety landscape: the move to the cloud. We are joined by Rohan Galloway-Dawkins, Chief Product Officer at Versaterm, to tackle and bust the top five myths that often surround cloud adoption in emergency services. From concerns about data security and control to questions of connectivity and interoperability. Top 5 myths discussed:...

Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) has been set up to provide railways with a standardized, future-proof communication solution capable of supporting advanced rail operations and services. FRMCS builds on 3GPP-based 5G standalone and mission-critical (MCX) architectures to support the new ETCS as a replacement for GSM-R. But the path towards FRMCS is way more than a straight-forwar...

In this episode, we explore the critical topic of AI transparency and how Motorola Solutions is pioneering a new approach to responsible innovation. In July 2025, Motorola unveiled AI Labels for its Public Safety and Enterprise Security products. These are digital transparency tools that explain, in clear terms, the role of AI in mission critical environments. Much like nutrition labels on food pr...

In this special post-event episode, we unpack everything from the recent Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025, held at the Brussels Expo from June 17–19. This year’s event was the largest CCW to date, buzzing with new exhibitors, groundbreaking demos, and intense energy on the show floor. From the packed conference halls to in-depth discussions at the Global Village, this episode captures the...

In this episode, we explore Lancashire Constabulary's recent digital transformation. We dive into how innovative technologies like advanced control room systems, upgraded body worn cameras, and in-car video, are reshaping frontline policing.  We are joined by Chief Superintendent Chris Hardy. With over 18 years of experience, and a deep passion for innovation, Chris provides a comprehensive view o...

In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of mission-critical communications, especially as broadband technologies continue disrupting traditional models. Our special guest, Stuart Will , VP of Sales at DAMM Cellular Systems, joins us to unpack how enterprise verticals beyond public safety are redefining what “critical” truly means in communication infrastructure.  From utilities and mi...

In this episode, we dive into the key highlights and reflections from EENA 2025, the European Emergency Number Association’s annual conference and trade show held in Helsinki, Finland. With over 800 attendees from 50+ countries, the event sparked critical conversations on emergency communications, next-generation technologies, and end-user experience. Joining us are returning guest Benoit Vivier a...

In this episode, we venture beyond the stratosphere to explore the evolving world of satellite constellations. From GEOs to MEOs to LEOs—and even high-altitude platforms in the REO (Regional Earth Orbit) layer—we unpack the technology, applications, and future of global connectivity. Recorded live at IWCE, this session is one of over 150 expert-led presentations delivered at the conference. Now av...

In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of physical security for the infrastructure that supports our essential communication services: the towers, cables, and network sites that must remain operational for public safety, emergency services, and other vital sectors.  As critical communications increasingly rely on commercial mobile networks, questions of ownership, re...

In this episode, we take you inside the halls of BAPCO 2025 in Coventry —the event that really kicks off the public safety tech calendar for the year. From groundbreaking AI and control room innovations to the growing buzz around mission-critical broadband, We feature on-the-ground insights and commentary from the vendors shaping the future of public safety. Plus, we share our key takeaways from a...

In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative trends in critical communications and enterprise markets—digital transformation. This discussion unpacks how digitalization is reshaping mission-critical industries, including public safety, utilities, and transportation, and the key design principles enabling this shift: cloud-native and automation. To help tackle this topic we are joined...

In this episode, we highlight some of the recent findings from Omdia's latest market research covering the Broadband Critical Communications and the Body Worn Camera & DEMS markets. Key Takeaways: Get Involved: Participate in the Emerging Critical Tech and Innovation Survey 2025 . Your input will shape industry insights and help bridge the gap between vendors and end users. Evolving Market: Th...

In this episode, we explore the transformative - and potentially disruptive - impact of audio deepfake technology in public safety.  We're joined by Dr. Salma Ait Farès , Technical Research Chair at InterTalk, and James Birchall , Director of Technology at InterTalk. Key Topics Covered Understanding Deepfake Technology: We talk about what deepfake technology is, and provide demonstrations of deepf...

In this episode, we explore how Guilford Metro 911 is upgrading its' emergency response through Hexagon's advanced dispatch platform, featuring AI-enhanced collaboration and predictive analytics. Joining us are Tammy Heaton, Vice President of Customer Success at Hexagon Safety, Infrastructure, and Geospatial Division, and Melanie Jones, Executive Director at Guilford Metro 911 and President of the...

In this episode, we take a look at the year ahead and what we're expecting, or wanting, to see for the critical communicaitons industry through 2025. We're joined by: Ildefonso de la Cruz , Principal Analyst, Industrial & Government Critical Communications at Omdia Erin LeMoine , Director, Events for Informa Tech Government Portolio Donny Jackson , Editor at Urgent Communications Mladen Vraton...

In this episode, we take a comprehensive look back at the year 2024, a pivotal year in the critical communications industry. Joined by our colleagues Erin LeMoine and Donny Jackson, we reflect on the significant milestones, trends, and events that shaped the year. From industry conferences and technological innovations to emerging trends like satellite-to-device communications and the continued gr...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of command, control, and communication systems designed for situational awareness at large-scale operations, with a special focus on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Our guest is from the product innovation consultancy, Parallel Systems. Matt Falla joins us, Matt is an RCA-trained interaction designer with a career spanning boutique consulting, consumer electron...