On 27th April 2016, the European Commission signed a contract to fund the BROADMAP project, coordinated by Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) Forum and with a team of 15 PPDR (Public Protection and Disaster Relief) end user organisations to work together to define the future of interoperable broadband applications, services, networks and devices.
Key facts:
- The BROADMAP project, lasting 12 months, starts on 1st May 2016
- PPDR end users from 15 European countries will work together to establish a common roadmap for future evolution of EU PPDR radio communications.
- A series of workshops will be held around Europe between June and August to consult with an even broader community of end user stakeholders.
- Specifications and transition road mapping of future broadband PPDR radio communication in EU will be available in 2017.
- Requirements, specifications, solutions and roadmaps will lead towards new interoperable broadband capabilities deployed with an operational expectation within 8-10 years.
The BROADMAP project will take the first steps towards future co-funded procurement necessary to enable ‘interoperable next generation of broadband radio communication systems for public safety and security’ to enhance interoperability across borders and improve PPDR service to European citizens.
BROADMAP will collect and validate the PPDR organisations’ requirements, leveraging existing study investments, with the aim to establish a core set of specifications and roadmap for procurement to achieve future evolution of EU broadband applications and interoperable radio communication solutions for PPDR.
The BROADMAP partnership comprises 15 potential buyers/end users representing EU Member States and associated countries; 8 of which represent the Ministry within the country responsible for public safety and 7 representing other PPDR end user organisations and public safety network operators. 48 additional PPDR organisations have already signed letters of support for the BROADMAP project, expanding geo-political coverage within 7 additional EU and associated countries plus support from stakeholders in the US. BROADMAP workshops will further expand these numbers.
The BROADMAP proposal formation was initiated in 2014 on the request of PSCE’s User Committee members. It has taken 16 months to gather together the strongest team of end users, a delicately balanced strategy, and the necessary contractual arrangements to start the project.
The outcomes of BROADMAP are essential to support the future procurement of necessary R&D and innovative products needed to fulfil the validated requirements for broadband interoperable networks for PPDR and critical communications.
PSCE’s next conference will be held in Brussels on the 18th and 19th May 2016, where the BROADMAP project will be introduced to delegates for the first time and carry on the debate around the improvements needed to communication systems and processes to support Public Safety and Disaster Recovery. Topics will include:
- Future communication networks
- Dynamic Information sharing
- Handling emergency
- How Copernicus and Galileo services support crisis management
David Lund, President of PSCE and coordinator of BROADMAP says: “It’s been a lengthy process but the collective enthusiasm of the partnership is unprecedented. We have a truly motivated and influential team”
Manfred Blaha, Chair of PSCE User Committee says: “BROADMAP is a milestone on the broad way for PPDR organisations to get a broadband network. It is not only to follow technological trends for a new gadget. It is about giving First Responders some data-rich communications tool for their live-saving duty. It is about serving our citizens best possible.”
Heikki Riippa, The Police Board, Finland says: “PPDR operational way of working is in transition throughout Europe – high speed wireless connectivity is mandatory to address the pressure from the changing society towards – BROADMAP partnership is key to address this evolution”
Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) is a non-profit organization, providing a platform for collaborative work between users, industry and research organisations in order to exchange ideas, best practices and develop a roadmap for future public safety communications. PSCE is committed to fostering better public safety communications for the security of all citizens.
For more information, visit the BROADMAP website www.broadmap.eu or write to project coordinator PSCE at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..