Mission Critical Communication enables emergency services and other critical organisations to communicate reliably, instantly and securely using 3GPP Mission-Critical Services (MCX) for voice, video and data.
MCX products are certified through the Global Certification Forum (GCF) to verify 3GPP compliance and interoperability between vendors.
As a GCF Recognised Test Organisation (RTO) AstaZero supports manufacturers, operators, public safety organisations and system integrators from preparation to GCF certification and operational evaluation. By combining certification expertise, independent evaluation methodologies and world-class test facilities, AstaZero helps reduce deployment risk, accelerate time-to-market and increase confidence in mission-critical solutions.
Services and Capabilities
MCX Certification
- MCX conformance development tools and expert support
- GCF Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) services
- GCF conformance testing (RTO) services
- GCF interoperability testing (RTO) services
Evaluation of User Equipment
AstaZero has developed methodologies for evaluating mission-critical user equipment based on NCCOM recommendations. Assessments cover:
- Connectivity and RF performance
- Acoustics
- Battery endurance
- Security and cyber resilience
- Environmental robustness
- Usability and operational effectiveness
Network and Laboratory Testing Resources
- 300-hectare cellular-connected proving ground with authentic 4G/5G test networks supporting roaming, network priority (QPP) and 5G network slicing under various environmental conditions and traffic loads. An additional proving ground for drones is under establishment.
- RF/EMC chambers supporting radio, antenna and OTA performance testing in controlled environments, from handheld devices to vehicles and trucks. Different radio conditions can be simulated to evaluate SNR, high-speed scenarios, spoofing, jamming and other performance impacting factors.
- Dedicated laboratories for acoustics, battery, temperature, vibration, dust and other environmental testing.
Pioneering role
AstaZero has played a pioneering role as a GCF Recognised Test Organisation in establishing the MCX certification ecosystem, including:
- World’s first GCF certification of a Mission Critical Services product – an MCX client
- World’s first GCF certification of an MCX device
- World’s first GCF-certified interoperability verification between an MCX server and an MCX client
Research and Innovation
AstaZero contributes to next-generation mission-critical communications through research and methodology development, including:
- Vinnova Next Generation Device-to-Device Mission Critical Communication, exploring 5G Sidelink technologies for resilient infrastructure-independent communications
- Development of evaluation methods and quality-assurance frameworks for future public safety broadband systems, including SWEN, in collaboration with Swedish authorities
References
- RISE–MSB Research Collaboration
- World’s First GCF Mission Critical Certification Testing
- GCF Interoperability Certification and IOP-RTO Recognition
- Vinnova Next Generation Device-to-Device Mission Critical Communication
- Requirements for broadband devices
Based on the Swedish government directive to assist society, AstaZero offers mission critical equipment manufacturers and mission critical operators assistance from development to test and certification. This aims to enable a competitive market for interoperable products, driven by innovation and cost efficiency.