According to a statement issued by the association, respondents represented a “wide variety of critical communications users.” Findings related to potential use cases, deployment timeframes, device requirements, frequency spectrum requirements/ possible interference issues, and deployment challenges.
Discussing the rationale for the survey, a TCCA spokesperson said: “The key requirement for mission-critical communications users is that their devices are connected to the network. No coverage means no calls.
“Operating at higher transmit powers than standard consumer mobiles, HPUE can extend the reach of the device, helping to ensure that users stay in contact even where network connection is poor. However, this enhancement will only happen if the challenges identified in [the white paper] are addressed without delay.”
The spokesperson continued: “Multiple potential use cases for HPUE solutions were indicated by the survey respondents, with handheld device coverage enhancement being the most popular. However, a wide variety of different types of HPUE device and equipment will be necessary to meet different users’ requirements. In order to create a diverse device ecosystem, suppliers will need to be convinced of the HPUE business case.
“The objectives of the survey were to understand the market requirements for mission-critical HPUE, identify potential challenges, and ultimately to advise user organisations, critical communications operators and equipment suppliers on the successful development, deployment and use of HPUE solutions.”
TCCA Board member, and leader of the HPUE task force, Tim Clark, said: "Mission-critical broadband HPUE devices have the potential to deliver significant benefits to the critical communications sector.
“HPUE can help to ensure that public safety first responders, coastguards, military and mobile workers within sectors such as utilities, transport and natural resources stay in contact, even while operating in remote locations or inside network coverage blackspots."
TCCA CEO Kevin Graham said: "TCCA strives to bring the global critical communications community together to find potential practical solutions to functional and operational needs of end users. HPUE is a path to address an identified coverage enhancement requirement.”
The organisation says that next steps for the task force are to “quantify the market demand for HPUE solutions and build a compelling business case to share with regulators, operators and suppliers.” It will also “work with standards organisations and national bodies to drive availability of additional spectrum for HPUE deployments.”
The majority of survey respondents indicated that they will be looking to start using HPUE solutions within the next five years.
The white paper - ‘Mission-Critical High Power User Equipment Market Survey Results’ – is available here.
