Next-generation communication systems for PPDR: the SALUS perspective

Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) agencies in European member states currently rely on digital Private Mobile Radio (PMR) networks for mission critical operations. PMR networks are based on two main standards for Europe: Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) and TETRAPOL. These networks provide secure and resilient mobile voice services, as well as basic data services. However, these traditional PMR networks show substantial limitations, when matched against modern requirements of PPDR agencies, including broadcast communications, dynamic secure groups, secure roaming, and emerging safety and security applications. Moreover, there are significant interoperability constraints when using multiple technologies, such as inter-technology coverage limitations, which can result in ineffective management of emergency events, both at national level as well as in cross-border regions.