Will Broadband ever match TETRA in the critical communications industry?

Comparing TETRA and Broadband in critical communications

TETRA systems are known for their reliability, coverage, and the ability to provide secure, real-time voice and data communications. These attributes are non-negotiable in the critical communications sector, where any failure can mean the difference between life and death. TETRA‘s dedicated spectrum, high levels of security, and resilient network design make it a trusted choice for emergency services worldwide.

Broadband, on the other hand, primarily refers to high-speed internet access through various technologies such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G. Broadband networks offer high data rates and the ability to support a wide range of applications, from streaming video to Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. The versatility and speed of broadband have made it ubiquitous in consumer and commercial sectors, but its application in critical communications is still under scrutiny.

Insights from Sepura’s Chief Technology Officer, Peter Hudson

According to CTO Peter Hudson, broadband technology indeed holds the potential to match TETRA, but this realisation may unfold differently than anticipated. Hudson acknowledges that the MCX technology is designed to replicate what TETRA does and may certainly achieve that level of performance in the future. The key lies in hardening and refining broadband networks to meet the stringent requirements of critical communications.

Hudson points out that while broadband running on public networks presents technical challenges and uncertainties about coexistence, private LTE networks with predictable capacity and full control can perform as well as TETRA. In scenarios where the network is entirely owned, managed, and controlled by the user, broadband can indeed match TETRA’s performance.

Obstacles to broadband adoption in critical communications

Despite the potential, broadband faces challenges in matching TETRA performance and reliability for critical communications:

Reliability and Coverage: TETRA networks are designed to provide geographic coverage, even in remote and rural areas. Broadband networks, while improving, still have gaps, especially in less populated regions.

Security: TETRA systems offer high levels of security and are less susceptible to cyber-attacks compared to broadband networks.

Interoperability: TETRA has a standardised global framework that ensures interoperability between different devices and networks. MCX is still immature in this respect, although work is progressing towards an interoperability capability.

Latency and real-time communication: While 5G promises low latency, achieving consistent real-time communication under all circumstances, especially on shared networks, remains a challenge. TETRA’s proven track record in delivering immediate push-to-talk (PTT) functionality is still unmatched by broadband.

Dedicated spectrum: TETRA operates on dedicated spectrum bands, which are not shared nor subject to potential congestion that commercial broadband networks might face, especially during emergencies when network traffic surges in specific geographic areas.

Innovating public safety: The combined potential of broadband and TETRA

For mission-critical broadband to gain traction in the critical communications industry, a hybrid approach may be necessary for the foreseeable future. Leveraging the strengths of both technologies offers a balanced solution. For instance, TETRA could handle mission-critical voice communications, while broadband networks manage high-speed data applications, such as real-time video streaming and advanced analytics.

Governments and industry stakeholders need to invest in enhancing the security, reliability, and coverage of their Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) broadband networks. Policies promoting the allocation of a dedicated spectrum for public safety and advancements in network technologies are crucial. Additionally, developing global standards to ensure interoperability is essential to create a dynamic and evolving ecosystem of products to fuel the growth of mission-critical broadband usage.

Continued innovation, investment, and collaboration will be key to ensuring that broadband can rise to meet the stringent demands of this vital sector. As Hudson suggests, the future of critical communications may well see a convergence of both technologies, each excelling in scenarios best suited to their strengths.