TASSTA at the 5th ETSI FRMCS Plugtests in Paris: What We Tested and Why It Matters

18.12.2025

TASSTA at the 5th ETSI FRMCS Plugtests in Paris: What We Tested and Why It Matters

In October 2025, TASSTA participated in the 5th ETSI FRMCS Plugtests hosted by UIC in Paris. This event is part of the ETSI MCX Plugtests Programme and is designed to validate real interoperability between mission-critical (MCX) solutions and multi-vendor 5G/IMS core networks.

What is FRMCS and why Plugtests exist

FRMa Railway Mobile Communication System) is the railway industry’s next-generation communication system, intended to replace GSM-R with broadband, secure and interoperable services.

The Plugtests series is ETSI’s way to ensure that different vendors’ implementations actually work together in practice — not just on paper.

ETSI’s goals for the event:

– confirm interoperability between vendors
– validate understanding of 3GPP/ETSI standards
– help implementers find and resolve issues early

The 5th edition brought together a large multi-vendor lab with more than 170 participants, simulating an environment close to real railway deployments.

TASSTA’s setup in the lab

We brought:
– TASSTA T.Quasar MCX Application Server
– our MCX client(s)

This allowed us to integrate and test against multiple 5G cores from different vendors in a shared interoperability lab.

This is important because in live railway networks, MCX services must operate reliably across whichever 5G core an operator chooses. Demonstrating multi-vendor compatibility is therefore a key milestone for market readiness.

The test areas we executed

All test cases were taken from ETSI’s MCX Plugtests scenario specification ETSI TS 103 564.

1. MCPTT Group Calling (on-demand / ad-hoc)

What we tested
– Creating an ad-hoc MCPTT group call on demand, without security
[CONNMCPTT/ONN/GROUP/ADHOC/ONDEM/NOSEC/NFC/02] – Releasing that ad-hoc group call
[CONNMCPTT/ONN/GROUP/ADHOC/ONDEM/NOSEC/NFC/03]

In simple terms
We verified that a user can start a spontaneous push-to-talk group — for example, “all staff in this station right now” — and later end it cleanly. The group is created dynamically by the MCX system and correctly transported through the 5G core.

2. Floor Control (who is allowed to talk, when)

MCPTT is not like a normal voice call — only one person (or a controlled set of people) speaks at a time. The mechanism that manages this is Floor Control (FC).

Basic FC
– Effect of priorities [FC/BASIC/02]

Advanced FC
– Revoking the floor when a timer expires (T2) [FC/ADV/01]
– Queueing requests after release [FC/ADV/02]
– Queueing requests after revoke [FC/ADV/03]

Awareness and special cases
– Functional Alias (FA) display during FC [FC/FA/BASIC/01]
FA allows users to speak under a role (e.g., “Train Driver 17”) instead of a personal name.
– Multi-talker basic operation [FC/MT/BASIC/01]
– Location sharing during FC [FC/LOC/BASIC/01]
– Location sharing during multi-talker FC [FC/MT/LOC/BASIC/01]

In simple terms
We validated that:
– the system correctly assigns the “right to speak”
– priority users override lower-priority requests
– the floor is revoked automatically if held too long
– queued talkers get their turn in order
– operators can immediately see who is speaking (via alias/role) and, when relevant, where they are — even in multi-talker situations

These are essential railway features, enabling dispatchers and field teams to maintain clear, disciplined voice communication in high-stress situations.

3. 5G QoS Integration (making mission-critical traffic “special” in the 5G core)

Mission-critical voice requires guaranteed quality (latency, priority, stability). In 5G, this is achieved via dedicated QoS flows.

We tested:
– Creating a unicast 5GS QoS flow via Rx [PCC/5GSQOSFLOWSETUP/Rx/02]
– Creating a unicast 5GS QoS flow via N5 [PCC/5GSQOSFLOWSETUP/N5/02]
– Updating a unicast 5GS QoS flow via Rx [PCC/5GSQOSFLOWUPDATE/Rx/02]

In simple terms

We checked that the TASSTA MCX server can request mission-critical treatment from the 5G core — using standard 3GPP policy control interfaces — for specific users’ media streams.
This allows the network to prioritize MCPTT traffic over normal data traffic, which is a core requirement for FRMCS deployment.

What we gained from the Plugtests

Even without sharing confidential results, the value is clear:
– Multi-vendor realism — testing our stack against diverse 5G cores and MCX implementations in one environment
– Standards confirmation — verifying our implementation aligns with ETSI/3GPP intent
– Early issue discovery — solving interoperability problems in the lab, before they appear in real railway networks

Why this matters for the railway industry

FRMCS will only succeed if:
1. vendors interoperate,
2. mission-critical QoS is correctly enforced in 5G cores,
3. railway-specific MCX behavior (roles, priorities, multi-talker logic, location) operates reliably.

This Plugtests edition showed the ecosystem moving from “specification compliance” to field-ready interoperability.

Thank you

Big thanks to ETSI Plugtests, UIC, and all participating vendors and operators for a highly collaborative environment.
TASSTA is proud to contribute to the maturity of FRMCS and MCX interoperability, and we will continue this work in upcoming ETSI/3GPP programmes.

NEDAA and Its Subsidiary ESHARAH & TASSTA Join Forces to Revolutionize Mission-Critical Communications in Dubai

21.11.2025

NEDAA and Its Subsidiary ESHARAH & TASSTA Join Forces to Revolutionize Mission-Critical Communications in Dubai

Dubai, UAE — 21st November 2025

Nedaa – Professional Communication Corporation, along with its subsidiary ESHARAH ETISALAT SECURITY SOLUTION, Dubai’s exclusive provider of secure mission-critical communications, has announced an exciting strategic collaboration with TASSTA GmbH, a global leader in next-generation mission-critical communication (MCX) technology.

This partnership is set to redefine secure communications for government agencies, first responders, and public safety organizations across the emirate. By combining TASSTA’s cutting-edge MCPTT and advanced dispatching solutions with Nedaa’s state-of-the-art TETRA and LTE/5G network infrastructure, the collaboration delivers faster response times, seamless inter-agency coordination, and real-time situational awareness—critical for the fast-paced demands of Dubai’s smart-city initiatives.

“Nedaa and its subsidiary ESHARAH are committed to pushing the boundaries of secure, mission-critical communications,” said a Nedaa spokesperson. “Our collaboration with TASSTA ensures that government and public safety agencies have the tools they need to act quickly, decisively, and confidently.”

“TASSTA is proud to partner with Nedaa and its subsidiary ESHARAH to bring reliable, scalable, and interoperable solutions to Dubai,” added a TASSTA representative. “Together, we’re enabling a communication ecosystem that’s ready for today—and tomorrow.”

The joint solution includes secure MCPTT deployment, cross-platform interoperability, advanced dispatching, and enhanced incident management tools—delivering critical information when it matters most, every time. This partnership cements Dubai’s position as a leader in technological innovation, operational readiness, and smart-city excellence.

TASSTA to Showcase MCX Solutions at PMRExpo 2025

24.10.2025

TASSTA to Showcase MCX Solutions at PMRExpo 2025

TASSTA is heading to PMRExpo 2025, Europe’s leading trade fair for secure communication, taking place in Cologne from November 25–27, 2025. Visitors can find the TASSTA team at Hall 7, Stand E48.

PMRExpo serves as the central meeting point for professionals shaping the future of mission- and business-critical communication. Each year, the event brings together experts, providers, and users from across industries – from public safety and critical infrastructure to transport and utilities.

TASSTA will be on site to showcase its latest developments in mission-critical Push-to-Talk, Push-to-Video, and Push-to-Data solutions, all designed to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient communication across teams and networks.

Meet the TASSTA Team in Cologne Visitors are invited to stop by Stand E48 to meet the TASSTA team, discover new features, and discuss how TASSTA’s solutions are transforming secure communications around the world.

See you at PMRExpo 2025 in Cologne!

How it was in 2024

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TASSTA Redefines Secure Communication on iOS with T.Star

16.06.2025

TASSTA Redefines Secure Communication on iOS with T.Star

We’re thrilled to announce that T.Star, our cutting-edge 3GPP-compliant Mission-Critical Communication (MCX) client, is now available on the iOS App Store!

For years, the industry has needed a robust, fully compliant mission-critical app for iOS, and we’ve delivered. T.Star is engineered for professionals in highly regulated and strategic environments who demand the utmost in secure, reliable, real-time communication.

T.Star is optimized for LTE and 5G networks, providing the unwavering performance vital for first responders, public safety, emergency services, and critical infrastructure operators.

“This is what the industry has been waiting for, and it will fundamentally redefine how critical operations stay connected,” says Kaveh Hosseinzadeh, General Manager at GMC TASSTA GmbH.

Download T.Star today and experience the future of secure, mission-critical communication on your iPhone:

Interview Recap: Kaveh Hosseinzadeh Talks Mission-Critical Communication with SafetyDetectives

28.03.2025

Interview Recap: Kaveh Hosseinzadeh Talks Mission-Critical Communication with SafetyDetectives

In a recent interview with SafetyDetectives, Kaveh Hosseinzadeh, General Manager of TASSTA, shared valuable insights into the company’s approach to mission-critical communication, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Read full interview

Building Next-Generation Communication Tools

TASSTA is at the forefront of transforming how public safety and enterprise teams communicate. What began as a modern alternative to traditional radio systems has evolved into a full-featured platform supporting:

Push-to-talk over LTE/5G
Encrypted messaging
Real-time GPS tracking
Emergency alerts and lone worker protection

Kaveh explains that TASSTA’s ecosystem is built with flexibility and security at its core — designed for high-demand environments such as emergency services, transportation, utilities, and private security.

Cybersecurity by Design

Security isn’t an add-on — it’s a foundation. The TASSTA system offers:

End-to-end encryption
Role-based access control
Secure cloud and on-premise deployment options

Kaveh emphasizes that protecting sensitive communication data is non-negotiable, especially when working with government and critical infrastructure clients.

Bridging Old and New: LMR Interoperability

One of TASSTA’s key differentiators is its interoperability with legacy systems like TETRA, DMR, and P25. Organizations can modernize their communication stack without replacing existing radios, enabling a smoother and more cost-effective digital transition.

Looking Ahead: AI, Analytics, and Scalability

Kaveh shares TASSTA’s vision for the future, which includes:

Deeper AI integration for smarter response systems
Enhanced data analytics to support situational awareness
Continuing development in line with 3GPP mission-critical standards

TASSTA’s goal is to offer communication tools that are secure, scalable, and adaptable — ready to support any team that depends on reliable coordination and fast decision-making.

Read full interview

3GPP MCX training session 2025

06.03.2025

TASSTA presents:
3GPP Mission-Critical (MCX) 2-day Online Training Session

Learn. Grow. Certify.
Vendor-Independent Expertise.

Join the global community of Mission-Critical Communication professionals! Since 2020, TASSTA has proudly partnered with Harald Ludwig—one of the most respected experts in the MCX field—to deliver comprehensive online training sessions. This annual event has helped countless participants deepen their knowledge and earn certifications, empowering them to excel in the Mission-Critical industry.

What You Will Learn

Unlock essential knowledge in Mission-Critical Communication:

Understanding Mission Critical: Concepts, Broadband and Market Trends
Standardization and Ecosystem: Testing, Certification, and Deployment
Network Technologies: LTE & 5G Architecture, Radio Access, Quality of Service
Spectrum & Enablers: Frequency Bands, Campus Networks (Private LTE)
Mission Critical Services: MCPTT, MCVideo, MCData

Why join?

Unlock essential knowledge in Mission-Critical Communication:

Gain expert insights from a world-renowned MCX authority
Achieve your certification in just 2 days
Elevate your skills and stand out in the Mission-Critical Communication industry

This is your chance to master the core concepts of Mission-Critical Communication and join a growing network of certified professionals worldwide.

Register now and take the next step toward becoming an MCX expert!

About the speaker

Harald Ludwig is a founder and Managing Director of Arico Technologies, a company operating in the areas of consulting, training and project management for professional mobile communications technology. Harald`s responsibilities include infrastructure system design, integration and testing, standardization and interoperability testing, studies, training and presentations, intellectual property rights, patents and licensing. For many years, Harald performed in the field of professional mobile communications, government radio networks and control centers.

About the organizer

TASSTA is a global leader in Mission-Critical Communication solutions, empowering organizations with secure, efficient, and customizable communication tools. With over a decade of experience, TASSTA has earned its reputation as an innovative software provider by successfully passing all seven 3GPP MCX Plugtests Events and being among the first to launch a fully 3GPP-compliant MCX environment.

With a strong focus on interoperability, TASSTA ensures seamless integration across various devices, platforms, and networks, enabling teams to communicate without limitations. Our portfolio includes advanced Push-to-Talk (PTT) applications, gateway solutions, and tailored communication systems that meet the unique demands of industries like public safety, transportation, logistics, and more.

At TASSTA, we prioritize freedom of choice (BYOD), customer customization, and exceptional training and support services, making us a trusted partner for businesses looking to modernize and optimize their communication systems.

Information

Date

08.05 – Part 1
13.05 – Part 2
Time

9.00 CEST –
12.00 CEST
Price

50 EURO*

Supporting a Meaningful Cause:
Participation in this training requires a €50 donation to the UN World Food Programme via ShareTheMeal, contributing to the fight against global hunger.
LINK: sharethemeal.org
Please send your donation proof to marketing@tassta.com no later than 1 week before the first date of the Seminar!

Learning materials

Prior to the session, learners will receive handout for better understanding course content and for the opportunity to make notes during the session. We ask our learners to print the handout before the training course starts.

Additionally, everyone will be able to send questions to Harald Ludwig during the session. On the Questions & Answers part, Harald will provide answers, which will be collected in a Q&A file and sent out to learners after the training days.

Certificate

After the training session, participants can receive a certificate from TASSTA, signed by Harald Ludwig, for a €25 fee. If you are interested, please write again to marketing@tassta.com to arrange it.
*Shipping costs are not included