Vodafone Ireland works with European emergency services agencies to trial new mission-critical communications

Vodafone is demonstrating the power of Europe’s most modern mission-critical (MCx) communications service at an incident simulation event in Ireland with European Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) agencies.

The event in Westport on Ireland’s west coast sees PPDR agencies from Ireland as well as Scotland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden stage simulations that replicate complex and evolving incidents. It is designed to train first responders on new communication capabilities while testing interoperability and operation procedures across multiple agencies.

First of a kind

In partnership with the Irish Office of the Government CIO (OGCIO), within the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which advises on strategic digital matters, Vodafone Ireland is enabling its network for mission critical communications in a first-of-its kind for Ireland’s PPDR agencies. This includes the national police and security service An Garda Siochana, the Irish Coast Guard, Irish fire services, civil defence, Revenue (Customs Service) and the HSE/National Ambulance Service.

The event is also supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Mayo County Council.

Built using the latest global industry standards, MCx provides priority access on mobile networks. This enables first responders, public safety services, and transportation sectors to talk, share data and video, and coordinate instantly – even when networks are congested.

Responsive communications

MCx runs over existing 4G and 5G mobile networks, giving police, fire, rescue and medical experts fast, reliable and high responsive communications channels that are accessible nationwide through standard smartphones and devices.

In line with Vodafone’s commitment to providing a highly responsive and resilient network in more places across Europe, Vodafone Ireland, along with other Vodafone operating companies, aims to introduce new direct-to-device mobile broadband satellite connectivity. This service will allow anyone on any network to dial emergency services (112 or 999) from remote land or sea areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable. Similarly, this satellite technology will enable PPDR agencies to use MCx when mobile services are unavailable.

Launched initially by Vodafone in Germany, MCx is the ideal replacement for legacy voice and text services such as proprietary ‘push-to-talk’ voice-only radios commonly associated with TETRA, or Terrestrial Trunked Radio, and hybrid models.

The Westport event features a proof-of-concept trial of the new MCx technology. Participants include local agencies such as Mayo Fire, Mayo County Council Emergency Plan, Public Health Nurse, and the local GP, alongside international experts and PPDR representatives.

Observed by EC and European PPDR agencies

The trial builds on Vodafone Ireland’s critical national infrastructure. Government agencies are now able to access Vodafone’s 4G and 5G network via a roaming capability which opens the door to cross-border cooperation, enabling European PPDR agencies to coordinate more effectively during international emergencies. It is being observed by European PPDR agencies and European Commission departments, including EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) and Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), as part of broader efforts to establish a pan-European mission-critical platform, enhancing cross-border emergency communications.

A key highlight of the event includes a situational reenactment of the interdiction of Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier MV Matthew by the Irish Army Ranger Wing. It will demonstrate how enhanced communications can improve situational awareness, operational efficiencies, and response times. Several of those involved in the original operation are contributing their experience and insights to the exercise.