Mladen Vratonjić, Chairman of the Critical Communications Association (TCCA), has been advocating for many years for reliable and secure communication for emergency and public safety services across the globe. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, and a strategic vision of technological developments, he stands as an influential voice in the international field of critical communications.

Why is Critical Communications World such a crucial event for professionals in critical communications?

TCCA’s Critical Communications World, with its large exhibition and distinguished conference, is renowned for being THE place for all involved in critical communications to connect, network, see the future of our sector and contribute to its development. Our sector thrives on cooperation, and there is no more important event than CCW to strengthen collaboration and reinforce relationships. Bringing together the global community is invaluable for everyone to see how our sector works around the world, to see first hand how technology is evolving, and to take inspiration from innovation.

What is, in your opinion, the unique value of the ASTRID User Days for both Belgian and international participants?

End users of critical communications are such vital and important individuals, and their work affects each and every one of us. They are the front line defence in keeping us and our communities safe and secure, and the first responders in a crisis. ASTRID, which has grown from one of the first TETRA operators to a significant innovator in critical communications, enables its community to gather at ASTRID User Days every two years, and this gathering represents one of the most significant events in the entire sector. It gives users the opportunity to share knowledge and best practices, to compare experiences, ask questions, benefit from support from others who understand the pressures of the work, and be recognised for their crucial contribution to society. It is also an engine for a large number of manufacturers of critical communications equipment, especially smaller ones, who see this event as an opportunity to present themselves to the wider community. We are very honoured and proud to be sharing this CCW with host operator ASTRID and its users.

What trends and technologies do you expect to take center stage during the upcoming edition of CCW?

TCCA’s CCW 2025 will be the largest show to date. We are expecting more than 200 exhibiting organisations and more than 200 speakers, covering the length and breadth of topics across the critical communications world. There will be thought-provoking conference sessions, lively panel debates, deep-dive Focus Forums, captivating exhibition areas, fascinating Tech Tours, compelling product launches and engaging networking opportunities. The conference will address areas such as the application of artificial intelligence and data spaces in critical communications, how our sector can influence 6G, the next generation of mobile technologies, while at the same time discussing the legal and regulatory frameworks of the transition to broadband, commercial broadband operators' viewpoints, as well as the place that LMR radio technologies will occupy in the next 10-15 years. There is a pre-conference workshop on advances in situational awareness tools, and the International Critical Communications Awards presentation evening. For the detail? You’ll need to come to CCW – the event is free to attend, both for the exhibition and the conference.

How can events like CCW and the ASTRID User Days enhance international collaboration?

Central to CCW is the Global Village, where more than 20 government operators of critical communications networks worldwide come together and collaborate to discuss progress, to benefit from others’ experiences – both positive and negative – and work towards ensuring ever smoother evolution of critical communications networks and services. With very few exceptions, government authorities do not have the luxury of huge budgets, so sharing information, observations and insights can be crucial in designing the most cost-efficient path forward. From Australia to the USA, from the Far East to Europe, these guardians of national critical communications infrastructure and services bring their expertise to share with others, to see the latest products on show in the exhibition, to participate in and learn from the many conference sessions, and to work together for the benefit of all.

TCCA’s role: How does TCCA support events like CCW in promoting global standards and best practices?

TCCA is committed to advancing global critical communications for a safer, more connected world by helping to empower critical communication users with secure, trusted, and standardised technologies. That mission and vision is the foundation of everything that we do, and it is all based on the commitment to open standards. TCCA’s CCW is the flagship event of the year where we enable our entire community to come together and share best practices – the embodiment of success in cooperation! TCCA also supports many partner events around the world, where our leadership team, invaluable Working Groups and hugely influential members will deliver TCCA’s messages. Without our members, there would be no TCCA, so as we celebrate our 30th anniversary year, I would like to once again thank all our members for their support, commitment, and willingness to cooperate – and encourage others to join us!