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April 10, 2024

Wireless Industry Showcases Future of Advancement and Growth at IWCE 2024

In late March, ADRF ventured to Orlando, Florida for the 2024 International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). The expo gathered more than 3,800 wireless and critical communications professionals from around the globe to discuss various sectors including public safety, transportation, healthcare, enterprise, government, and more. This year, IWCE brought in over 270 exhibitors, and more than 300 speakers covering 8 tracks over 4 days, providing a window into the future of emergency telecommunications and reiterating how it is gaining significant traction in modern life. 

Outlooks From Industry Leaders

ADRF was proud to showcase the first-ever UL 2524-certified converged network solution during its presentation “Enhancing Emergency Response: The Case for Converged Wireless Systems.” Our senior manager of the southeast region, Jim Lilienfeld, emphasized the importance of deploying emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES) and commercial in-building wireless equipment to improve cellular connectivity for everyone by integrating both systems within the same enclosures to save costs on time and materials of at least 30%. He also detailed why AHJs have resisted shared infrastructure historically, and how that’s changed after the latest IFC and NFPA fire codes. You can check out Jim’s conversation with Donny Jackson of Urgent Communications on “Live from IWCE” here to learn more.

Jim’s presentation was among several industry experts advocating for security communication solutions that significantly impact sensitive environments. In one session, Walt Magnussen, Director of Texas A&M University ITEC, and Sridhar Kowdley, Program Manager of the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate, underscored the importance of standardizing interoperability solutions to enhance mission-critical services like voice (MCPTT), data, and video. In another, moderated by John Foley, Managing Director of the Safer Buildings Coalition, the participants dove into the future of In-Building Wireless systems. They discussed strategies to foster a more scalable and manageable landscape, emphasizing safer and more cost-effective solutions.

Smartphone Usage May be Growing, But Push-to-Talk is Innovating

Alongside engaging discussions, IWCE served as a platform for leading brands to unveil their latest products much like our own converged network solution mentioned earlier. One collaboration between ESChat and JPS Interoperability Solutions, as they announced the integration of the JPS Z-Series platform with the ESChat push-to-talk (PTT) platform to eliminate the need for a VPN. 

Another significant advancement in PTT technology was introduced by BK Technologies. The upcoming BKRplay IntelliPTT feature enables users of BKR 9000 and BKR 5000 portables to seamlessly tether their land mobile radio (LMR) handsets with commercial smartphones via Bluetooth. This innovation enhances the flexibility of the company’s push-to-talk-over-cellular service, allowing users to initiate communication using an LMR device, which may be more familiar and comfortable for them in PTT communications. At ADRF, we align with BK Technologies’ perspective, especially considering the increasing reliance on smartphones for communication by first responders. The ability to use LMRs in collaboration with smartphones represents a significant development. If you’re interested in learning more about these two systems working together, ADRF President Julie Song writes about this in a recent Forbes Technology Council article. 

Increasing Emphasis on Training

One thing that was clear after IWCE is that the public safety industry continues to grow at a fast rate with many more individuals coming to the event. This is leading ADRF to increase our online training and certification exams this year to ensure that all individuals involved in installing and maintaining wireless products possess the requisite knowledge and expertise to effectively service diverse systems. ADRF conducts these training sessions and certifications monthly!

Here is a list of our upcoming trainings:

As we look back on our time at IWCE, the ADRF team takes pride in being part of an industry that is increasingly ingrained in people’s daily lives, witnessing accelerated growth and advancement. We can’t wait till next year!

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