Softil Announces Major Presence and Activity at IWCE 2024

The mission-critical communications (MCX) industry will see a substantial presence and a hive of activity by Softil and its partners at the upcoming International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2024 in Orlando (FL) beginning March 25th, 2024 through March 28th.

For the first time, IWCE visitors will be able to see Qualcomm Technologies’  unique 5G-Sidelink technology utilized by Softil MCX solutions and Alea (a Leonardo company) to demonstrate 3GPP standards-based off-network/direct mode communications with enhanced range.

These remarkable technologies will be demonstrated at Softil’s booth #438 on Wednesday, March 27th at 13:30 and at 14:30 at Leonardo’s booth #1115 and again on Thursday March 28th at 11:00 am at Softil’s booth and at 12:00 pm at Leonardo’s booth.

“Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G Sidelink technology is the missing piece in the fast growing MCX ecosystem puzzle,” says Pierre Hagendorf, Softil’s CEO. “With 5G-Sidelink embedded in MCX devices, first responders will be able to communicate off-network when necessary with other first responders at enhanced distances.”

Device to device communication, usually called Direct Mode or D2D, is a critical element of communications for first responders. Direct Mode communication is required when network coverage is insufficient for devices to communicate over a network or when direct communication is preferred for operational reasons.

Softil and Alea, a Leonardo company, were the first companies to develop fully standards-based direct mode interoperable MCPTT solutions. The technology was tested at the last ETSI MCX Plugtest in late 2023, as well as the TCCA’s CCBG meeting in Poland, and others. These collaborative trials using Qualcomm Technologies/ Softil/ Alea technologies are paving the way for other MCX suppliers and developers to deliver off-network critical functionality to users over the next few years.

During the IWCE 2024 exhibition, Softil will also conduct demonstrations in its booth of already deployed MCX products developed by its partners using Softil’s BEEHD MCX enabling technology, connected to a live MCX network.

In other IWCE news, the MCX expert, enabler and innovator Softil also announces today that two of its senior directors will join and speak at three key panels at the IWCE 2024 conference.

Sagi Subocki, Softil’s VP Products & Marketing, will join a panel to discuss “Deploying MCX Mission Critical Communications for First Responders in Real Life,” on Monday, March 25th at 10:10 am examining Broadband, FirstNet, Interoperability, LMR, P25 and PTT issues. The panel discussion will cover all aspects of mission-critical communications technology deployments starting from assessing public safety user requirements, and covering the role of the service provider and equipment manufacturer to deliver best of breed technology to first responders.

On Wednesday, March 27th at 14:00 pm, Anatoli Levine, Softil’s Director of Products & Standards will join a panel to discuss “Mission-Critical Broadband around the World.” Attendees will hear how different nations and regions grapple with MCX technology rollouts, interoperability challenges, spectrum issues and funding.

Levine will join another panel on Thursday, March 28th at 10:50 am to examine and discuss future train communications: the session is entitled “All aboard the FRMCS Express! Navigating the Future of Railway Communications.” As railway systems globally evolve towards a more integrated and data-driven future, more adaptable systems such as Future Railway Mobile Communications Systems (FRMCS) stand as a pivotal advancement for railway communications.