Join us for a dynamic and forward-looking workshop hosted by the UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UK SPF) Cluster 2, focusing on Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR). This hybrid event—taking place both online and in person at the University of Strathclyde—will bring together leading voices in emergency connectivity, spectrum innovation, and mobile network deployment to explore how advanced technologies are transforming disaster response and public safety communications.
Event Details
-
Date: Tuesday, 29 January 2026
-
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM GMT
-
Location: Online & University of Strathclyde
Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, researcher, or responder, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge developments and real-world applications in resilient communications.
Workshop Highlights
This workshop will explore recent advancements in PPDR connectivity, with a spotlight on a live emergency exercise conducted in Ireland in September 2025. The session will examine how emergency services can maintain reliable communications when conventional networks are disrupted or unavailable. The exercise demonstrated the use of multiple spectrum bands to activate fallback networks, ensuring continuity of operations in critical scenarios.
Participants will gain insights into the technical setup, spectrum management strategies, and operational outcomes of the exercise. A key focus will be on the integration of satellite and terrestrial systems to deliver resilient, interoperable coverage—offering practical lessons for enhancing PPDR frameworks in the UK and beyond.
We will also delve into the concept of airborne mobile networks for disaster response and live event coverage. It will feature a case study involving the deployment of a live 5G base station aboard an ultralight aircraft, tested over France using dedicated spectrum. The session will explore how such technologies and other commercial solutions can be rapidly deployed in disaster zones, large-scale public events, or areas with compromised infrastructure—offering a glimpse into the future of mobile networks in emergency response.
Why Attend?
-
Learn from real-world deployments of PPDR technologies in Ireland, France, and Italy
-
Explore innovative uses of spectrum for emergency communications and disaster relief
-
Engage with experts in mobile networks, satellite integration, and spectrum policy
-
Network with peers across government, industry, and academia
-
Contribute to shaping future UK policy on spectrum use for public safety
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for:
-
UK SPF members and contributors
-
Emergency services and public safety professionals
-
Spectrum regulators and policymakers
-
Wireless network engineers and technologists
-
Academic researchers in communications and disaster response
-
Industry stakeholders in satellite, mobile, and private network solutions
Register Now
Spaces are limited, especially for the in-person session. To secure your place, please register via the link.
Contact us
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
