CCW25 Highlights

Highlights from Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium – June 17–19, 2025 Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 brought together global leaders, industry innovators, government authorities, and mission-critical communication experts to shape the future of public safety communications. Held at the heart of Europe, the event emphasized collaboration, technological innovation, and resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.

Global Collaboration for a Safer World

The central theme of working together across industry, government, and verticals was clear throughout the event. With government authorities from 25 nations, over 250 global exhibitors, and 200+ expert speakers, CCW 2025 created a vibrant forum for addressing challenges in spectrum allocation, regulations, and international standards.

During the opening session, Bernard Quintin, Belgium’s Minister of Home Affairs, and Salvator Vella, Director General of ASTRID, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of uniting public and private sectors. A strong call was made for harmonized regulation across Europe and globally, to avoid mission-critical services falling behind due to fragmented policies.

Resilience & Disaster Preparedness

A recurring theme was the need for resilient communications infrastructure, particularly in disaster scenarios. Sessions addressed best practices in disaster response and international cooperation, with case studies highlighting how robust communication systems save lives and ensure operational continuity in times of crisis.

Transition to Broadband & Hybrid Networks

A significant focus was the transition from legacy LMR systems (like TETRA and P25) to broadband. The evolution of MCX (Mission Critical Services), powered by LTE and 5G, is accelerating. The discussions emphasized the importance of hybrid network models, integrating LMR with broadband to support a smooth migration and ensure backward compatibility.

Cybersecurity & Regulatory Gaps

CCW 2025 brought to light the regulatory lag behind technological advancement. While 3GPP standards now reflect mission-critical requirements, speakers stressed the absence of unified regulation for MCX services in Europe. This raised key questions:

• Do we need a common European regulation for mission-critical broadband?

• Is the EUCCS framework the solution?

• Should global harmonization be a priority?

• What role should the ITU play in supporting Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) networks?

Future Technologies: AI, 5G, and Satellite Integration

The conference also explored how AI, satellite communication, IoT, and 6G developments are reshaping public safety:

• Integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to support remote and resilient communications.

• The transformative role of 5G in enabling low-latency, high-bandwidth applications like real-time drone footage, augmented reality, and enhanced situational awareness for first responders.

GCF and TCCA Certification Update

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) now includes Mission Critical Services (MCS) in its certification program (since June 2024). This milestone supports faster integration of multi-vendor solutions and ensures interoperability and end-to-end service quality.

Sweden was recognized as a leader in MCS certification, hosting:

• The world’s first GCF Mission Critical Communications Operator (MSB as MCCO)

• AstaZero as the Recognized Test Organization (RTO)

• Ericsson as the Assessment Capable Entity (ACE)

National Highlights: France’s RRF Project & ACMOSS Wins

A standout session showcased France’s RRF (Réseau Radio du Futur) project, illustrating significant progress in building the country’s next-gen public safety network. Congratulations were extended to ACMOSS, the national agency for operational mobile communications, for its double win at the ICCAwards – a testament to their leadership and innovation in mission-critical services.

Renaud Mellies was also elected to the TCCA Board of Directors, acknowledging his continued contributions to the CCW community.

Congratulations to All ICCA 2025 Winners

The International Critical Communications Awards (ICCA) 2025 once again celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation across the sector. Congratulations to all winners for their impressive contributions:

• Best Hybrid Device: L3Harris Technologies – XL Extreme 400P, a multiband, NFPA-compliant, full-spectrum radio.

• Best MCX Product or Solution of the Year: Frequentis AG – MissionX Android SDK, the first MCS client platform certified by GCF.

• Best TETRA Product or Solution of the Year: Sepura Limited – Sepura SC28 Module.

• Best Use of Advanced Technology (AI, UAVs, Situational Awareness): Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco, and Aramco Digital – Industrial Generative AI-Powered IoT Solutions at the Edge.

• Best Use of Critical Communications in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mining, Oil & Gas: Vodafone Business – CIMPOR 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network.

• Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety: ACMOSS – RRF – Radio Reseau du Futur.

• Best Use of Critical Communications in Transport: Hytera Communications Corporation Limited – HK MTR Light Rail 2.0 with 5G MCX Radio System.

• Best Use of Critical Communications in Utilities: Vertel – Icon Water TMR Replacement.

• TCCA Young Engineer of the Year: Adam Howe – Sepura Limited.

• Phil Kidner Award for Individual Outstanding Contribution: Jim Bugel – FirstNet Built with AT&T.

• Outstanding Services to TCCA: Harald Ludwig, Chairman, Technical Forum, TCCA.

SmartViser at CCW25: Demonstrating the Future of Test Automation

SmartViser played a key role at CCW25 by showcasing their innovative test automation solutions for mission-critical broadband networks. Key demonstrations included:

• Remote Testing for Private and Public Safety Networks: Highlighting how their viSer platform supports automated testing even in challenging or isolated environments, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

• Real-time Monitoring and QoS Validation: SmartViser demonstrated tools that verify service reliability and coverage, critical for both emergency services and hybrid LMR-broadband networks.

• MCX Testing Readiness: Showcased readiness for MCX device and network testing, aligning with the latest GCF certification standards.

• Satellite & NTN Testing Capabilities: Previewed testing capabilities for satellite-integrated networks, a growing area in critical communication ecosystems.

These demonstrations reinforced SmartViser’s commitment to supporting network providers, regulators, and public safety organizations with agile and scalable test automation to accelerate deployment and ensure service excellence.

Looking Ahead: CCW 2026 in London

As this year's event concludes, the baton has officially passed to the United Kingdom. Critical Communications World returns next year:📅 16–18 June 2026 | 📍 ExCeL London, UK

We look forward to continuing the global mission-critical conversation and driving innovation forward in London next year!

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Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding an MBA from Henley Business School brings a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation.

Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee, responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging a customer-centric culture. The main mission is to help organizations to create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.