German Federal Association of Professional Mobile Radio Celebrates 20 Years

On June 23, 1999, the inaugural meeting took place in Berlin. The PMeV was defined as an association of experts from manufacturers, network operators, service providers, system houses, users and other organizations that want to promote professional mobile communications in Germany together. The main idea of the new association was the promotion of standardized technologies for professional mobile radio in Germany and throughout Europe.

Promotion of standardized technologies

Following on from the founding idea, the international TETRA standard thematically shaped the first years of the association's work. Its breakthrough in Germany is closely linked to the German government's decision in 2006 to have the German digital radio network built for the authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS) on the TETRA standard. 

PMRExpo

As the conceptual sponsor of the PMRExpo, the association has continuously promoted the development of this event with an exhibitio, a congress and with workshops. The event started in 2001 with three dozen exhibitors and is today considered the leading European trade fair for secure and critical communications. Users and providers of critical communication systems from Germany, Europe and around the world meet at PMRExpo. Especially since the move to Cologne in 2009, the growth, internationality and diversity of PMRExpo has increased considerably. Most recently, PMRExpo had 4,400 visitors from all over the world as well as 232 national and international exhibitors. Thus, PMRExpo has become an international figurehead for the PMeV. 

Cooperation with users, authorities and associations

The range of topics for the PMeV has expanded significantly over the years. This involved building and maintaining a network with the players in the market but also with other associations and  end users.  The PMeV also brings suppliers and  end users together to jointly discuss the opportunities and risks of different approaches and concepts and to evaluate and develop different technologies and technical solutions.

Network secure communication

In addition, the PMeV has also intensified the dialogue with politicians, authorities and regulators in order to jointly shape the framework conditions of the market for professional mobile communications. 

Future broadband communication

"In addition to intensifying the shaping of the regulatory framework for the market for professional mobile communications, the expansion of the range of topics will be of particular importance in the future. It is important to position the PMeV as an expert for all important areas of secure communication, "said PMeV Chairman Bernhard Klinger, in particular with regard to broadband for mission-critical communications.

One of the core tasks of the PMeV in the coming years is to help shape this development in the interest of users of safety-critical communication with security authorities, operators of critical infrastructures and industry.