TELUS and Airbus Sign MOU to Advance Next-Gen Mission-Critical Communications in Canada

Author : Radio China Time : 2026-06-17 Source : www.radiochina.info

Public Safety Broadband Networks (PSBNs) are the future of Canadian public safety communications. Today's traditional P25 radio networks provide dependable voice communications, but have limitations around data capabilities and coordination across jurisdictions and agencies. Broadband capabilities are essential to break through these challenges, enhance response coordination and address interoperability gaps.

In response to this need,

TELUS Business

and

Airbus Public Safety and Security

have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore next-generation mission-critical communication opportunities for the Canadian public safety sector.

Building the path to true interoperability

Through this MOU, our focus is on delivering the technical leadership to guide the integration of P25 radio networks with advanced, mobile broadband networks. The partnership combines Agnet, Airbus’ broadband Mission-Critical Services (MCX) solution, with TELUS’ nationwide mobile network and data infrastructure compliant with 3GPP standards, the international framework for global mobile communication and connectivity.

Our aim is to enable secure, interoperable communications and nationwide coverage for critical operations that allow public sector agencies to manage their own communication frameworks while utilizing modern broadband capabilities

"Keeping Canadians safe requires teamwork and the absolute best technology available. By pairing TELUS' proven, nationwide network infrastructure with Airbus’ world-class emergency communication expertise, we are building a bridge to the future."– Martin Belanger, VP – Public Sector Sales, TELUS

From concept to reality

Over a 12-month Proof of Concept (PoC), TELUS architected a Multiple Operator Core Network (MOCN) in partnership with Peel Regional Police and major Canadian transportation and freight logistics operators based in Montreal and Calgary. This PoC connected three geographically distinct networks into a shared radio access infrastructure. The result was unprecedented in Canada: a major municipal police service and two of Canada's leading transportation organizations operating on a single, unified broadband network.

The PoC proved the viability of the approach, with two distinct outcomes:

Bridging P25 and broadband: By integrating Airbus' Agnet MCX solution with U.S. partner Catalyst's interoperability gateway, the PoC demonstrated that a first responder on a P25 radio and an officer on a broadband device can communicate directly, in real time, without friction.
Priority for public safety: On any network carrying both operational and mission-critical public safety traffic, first responder communications must be protected from delays. The PoC demonstrated that first responder devices operating on the MOCN network maintained priority and quality of service, with critical traffic prioritized ahead of general network traffic.

This partnership bridges what works today with what's possible tomorrow. Rather than replacing a proven system, we’re enhancing it with new capabilities. This is the roadmap for Canada’s evolution to a secure Public Safety Broadband Network.

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