On 21st May, ETSI announced the creation of a new Technical Committee on Critical Communications Systems (TC CCS), reinforcing its commitment to the advancement of secure and resilient critical communication in Europe and globally. The inaugural kick-off meeting of the committee brought together over 50 participants from across the critical communications ecosystem. Part of the work will be carried over from the now closed ETSI committee TCCE while new work items will primarily be focusing on supporting the creation of the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS).
One of the focus areas of the group are the maintenance and evolution of the TETRA standard and the development of international standards for mission‑critical narrowband and broadband communications. These two pillars form the core of the committee’s work, ensuring that critical communications users can rely on secure, interoperable and future‑proof technologies.
During the first meeting, the newly formed TC CCS elected officials representing public‑sector, industry and specialist organisations across Europe. During the meeting, the leadership of the new TC was elected: Ari Toivonen (Suomen Erillisverkot) as Chair, and Renaud Mellies (French Ministry of Interior) in charge of broadband and David Chater‑Lea (Sepura Ltd) in charge of narrowband as Vice Chairs.
The committee brings together the whole ecosystem of critical communications, from governments to regulators, emergency services, mobile network operators, military organisations, transportation, utility and industrial sectors. It will collect and specify operational and technical requirements from these stakeholders to ensure that future standards support resilient, interoperable and secure communications capabilities across increasingly critical converged communications infrastructures.
A closer collegial relationship with other European and international standards bodies to promote alignment and avoid duplication of work is a foundational aspect of the TC’s remit. It will also prepare specifications and reports in support of the European Critical Communications System (EUCCS), as part of its broadband-related activities.
Stakeholders and interested parties will also have the opportunity to meet members of TC CCS and continue discussions at Critical Communications World, where the committee’s work will be presented and examined.
More details can be found in the ETSI Press Release