Our most important challenge is the future of critical communications and our public-safety networks. I am not talking about only tomorrow and the network modernizations ongoing in many countries. I am also talking about the future beyond tomorrow.

The mission-critical communications industry is changing. New technology is emerging, and with new technology comes new suppliers, sales strategies and business plans. Shareholders reward companies with monthly subscription fees — often called “software as a service” — because of the stable recurring revenue. The goals of suppliers don’t always align with what’s in the best interest of your communications network.

A disruptive innovation creates a new market and value network and eventually disrupts an existing market and value network, displacing established market-leading firms, products and alliances

SMR technology was revolutionized by Nextel Communications when it established its digital system in 1987. With its overwhelming success, Nextel continued to build out sites throughout the United States and expanded worldwide using an LMR-based system developed by Motorola Solutions.

Several recent FCC proposals have the potential to change the industry in big ways. The latest action on 900 MHz sets up a realignment process we haven’t experienced since 800 MHz rebanding began more than a decade ago. The biggest difference will be the process the FCC uses to relocate incumbents, and hopefully, the length of time it takes to complete the initiative.

As a veteran educator and research center director at three large universities, I've had the thrill of seeing more than 10 generations of students obtain electrical and computer engineering degrees and pursue technical careers around the world. Common traits that I've seen repeated in the successful matriculation of thousands of students include an appreciation for the engineering process, built on integrity; the open exchange of ideas; and accuracy in solving problems.

Every year, police, emergency and fire departments welcome a new class of first responders into their ranks, each bringing a fresh perspective on traditional ways of thinking. And the latest round of recruits is no different.

Teltronic CEO Juan Ferro offers an update on the business following Hytera’s 2017 acquisition of Sepura, which came after Sepura purchased Teltronic in 2015.

As the public-safety community migrates to Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband technology for its communications, it is imperative that standards-compliant solutions are used by everyone to ensure emergency response is not compromised by lack of interoperability between agencies.

As public servants, we’ve dedicated our lives to serving our communities, putting the safety and well-being of others before our own and always doing the right thing, even if it isn’t the easiest. We’re also dedicated to speaking up when something isn’t right.