The ETSI Board has formally approved the creation of a new Technical Committee on Critical Communications Systems (TC CCS). The proposal was presented to the ETSI Board by Brian Murgatroyd, Ari Toivonen, and David Lund. The initiative follows a recommendation by the ETSI Secretariat to establish a new Technical Committee rather than repurpose the existing structure of Technical Committee Terrestrial Trunked Radio and Critical Communications Evolution (TC TCCE).

The decision marks a significant milestone in the evolution of standards development for next-generation critical communications across Europe. During the Board session, multiple members expressed strong support for the proposal, reflecting broad confidence in the importance and strategic relevance of the new committee.

As we prepare for the establishment of the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS), there will be new aspects of standardisation needed to build upon 3GPP specifications and clarify how systems need to be configured in a standard way, to allow the same mission critical mobile service wherever our life saving and crime-fighting responders are in Europe – David Lund, EUCCS Preparation Coordinator.

Scheduled Kick-Off Meeting and Engagement

The official kick-off meeting for the newly established Technical Committee is expected to take place during May at the ETSI Headquarters in Sophia Antipolis, France. Only ETSI members are eligible to attend and vote.

The TC CCS will be initiated to elect a Chair and two vice-chairs. The role of the two vice-chairs will be divided into: i) leading the narrowband concern to maintain the existing TETRA and related narrowband standards, ii) coordinate the extensive work to support EUCCS, including close cooperation with 3GPP, other standards committees and key stakeholders' groups.

Organizations are strongly encouraged to designate qualified representatives to participate in the proceedings. Strong participation from the public safety and critical communications community will be crucial to ensuring that standards development reflects operational requirements and public-interest priorities, alongside technological innovation and industry expertise.