Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety

Over the last few years, public safety organisations across the globe have found themselves constantly having to do more with less, thanks to a combination of perpetually shrinking budgets and ever-increasingly societal expectation. One of the ways in which this has been accomplished is through the innovative use of communications technology, both on the frontline and within the control room. This award will recognise sector-leading examples of innovation and best practice in the quest to keep those on the frontline safe.

Best Use of Critical Communications in Transport

Transport organisations are becoming increasingly dependent on effective communications systems to enable their passengers get safely from A to B in the most efficient way possible. This could include bus, tram, metro, and railway services, as well as port and airport ground operations. In this category, the judges will be looking at a range of criteria, including the size and difficulty of the roll-out, as well as level of innovation in the deployment of pre-existing technology.

Best Use of Critical Communications in Utilities

As is the case in every ‘mission critical’ sector, utilities companies exist in a space where nothing can be allowed to go wrong. The effective deployment of communications technology is integral to this, whether through the use of two-way radio or broadband by operatives on the ground, or via automated distribution processes facilitated by data. This award celebrates innovation, reliability, and above all the fulfilment of specific operational requirements.

Best Use of Critical Communications in Oil & Gas

The need to maximise efficiencies while at the same time keeping operatives safe has led to the mining, oil and gas industries becoming ever-more reliant on digital communications technology. This award will be judged according to a range of criteria, including the level of challenge represented by the roll-out, effective use of resources, as well as system reliability in often extremely challenging environments.

Best Hybrid Device of the Year

Despite the likes of ESN being well on the way to full roll-out, the timescale for deployment of national mission critical broadband systems still varies considerably from country to country. This category looks at technology being developed for use across both narrowband and broadband simultaneously, with the judges focussing on a range of criteria, from innovation, to ease of use and deployment.

Best Narrowband Device of the Year

While it’s clear that broadband is becoming increasingly important to the mission/business-critical sector, narrowband - and TETRA in particular - is still the default solution of choice for users working across many industries. This award recognises innovation in regard to what is still an incredibly reliable and resilient technology, as well as the success with which individual solutions solve core operational problems.

Best use of advanced technology

Thanks to game-changing ‘future’ solutions as such as AI and drones, those at the sharp end now have access to far more than just a handheld device when it comes to critical communications. This award will recognise the most intuitive, effective use of this kind of new technology, across the whole range of mission/business-critical verticals.

TCCA Young Engineer of the Year

Sponsored by:

The level of talent and potential existing within the critical communications sector is nothing short of extraordinary. With that in mind, this award celebrates the achievements of a young engineer (under 30), rewarding in particular drive, ambition, innovation, and standing within the industry.  

-         Level of achievement during career thus far, judged on position/reputation within a specific organisation, or organisations
-         Innovative/transformative work, influencing the future of the sector
-         Recipient must be under 30 years old.

Outstanding Contribution to Critical Communications

This prestigious award recognises those who have done the most to benefit the sector as a whole, thereby increasing the safety and effectiveness of users around the world. The winner will have earned the respect and gratitude of their peers across many years of diligent service, driving the direction of the industry as they go. Key qualities in this category are devotion to quality above all things, as well as relentless innovation.

Champion for equality, diversity and inclusion

Ensuring fairness, diversity and equality in the workplace is of paramount importance for building a more inclusive and dynamic culture. This award will recognise the work of people and organisations within the sector who have shown lasting commitment to making working environments fairer and more inclusive.