Formal Conformance Testing Can Begin for MC-PTT
The Global Certification Forum (GCF) announced (link) that it added 3GPP-based Mission Critical Services (MCS) to its certification program. The move enables accreditated GCF test laboratories to begin issuing conformance certificates for the mission-critical push-to-talk component of the 3GPP MCS.
Conformance Testing Means Contract Requirements Can Be Enforced
The formal announcement from the GCF marks a critical milestone in the journey towards broadband mission-critical push-to-talk capabilities.
Testing can Begin: This announcement marks the establishment of a trustworthy, standards-based test regime that will provide authoritative compliance marks to client software and devices claiming 3GPP Mission Critical Services support for Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk. In short, we now have the rulebook and the tools for referees to begin passing judgment on product compliance with the 3GPP MC-PTT standards.
Governments can Demand Certification: The GCF move is crucial because it provides a solid legal foundation for government procurements that demand delivery of 3GPP MC-PTT. Now, governments can seek proof of compliance and trust the process that delivers the proof.
An Essential Basic Start, More Work to Come: 3GPP MCS standards cover much more than push-to-talk. The GCF and TCCA collaboration must expand test processes to address server conformance, network-to-network interface conformance, and Interworking Function conformance. But MC-PTT has the broadest impact because of the many device and client variations. The small number of server and IWF implementations reduces the pressure for full conformance testing.
The Nordics Speak With Clarity
Nations across the Nordic region documented requirements mandating verified conformance to the standard for future procurements. The language is also making its way into TCCA recommendations to members.
With these advances, the economy-of-scale benefits will grow as more nations embrace a single standardized MC-PTT. Just as important, the opportunities for standards-based interconnection will expand. The GCF achievement is an essential step forward towards this important goal.
United States Ambiguity Creates Challenges
Regretably, the United States FirstNet Authority has yet to signal support for 3GPP MCS conformance testing under GCF governance. Historically, GCF handled mobile network operator requirements for operators outside North America. The FirstNet Authority's private partner aligns with the North American PTCRB program that does not have a 3GPP MCS element. The risk is that this disconnect limits interest in conformance testing and jeopardizes the global 3GPP MCS economy of scale. The FirstNet Authority must take steps to bridge this gap without forcing a parallel test regimen that loads additional costs on device suppliers.
On a positive note, NIST and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have taken steps to ensure GCF-based test capabilities are available. NIST funding aided the development of the 3GPP MC-PTT test apparatus. More recently, a collaboration between DHS and Texas A&M set the stage for US-based testing. The open question that remains, however, is what mechanism will drive device suppliers in the US to pursue certification in the absence of FirstNet Authority leadership.