Ep 77: Beyond public safety - The evolving economics of critical communications

In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of mission-critical communications, especially as broadband technologies continue disrupting traditional models. Our special guest, Stuart Will, VP of Sales at DAMM Cellular Systems, joins us to unpack how enterprise verticals beyond public safety are redefining what “critical” truly means in communication infrastructure. 

From utilities and mining to transportation and offshore wind farms, Stuart shares real-world insights from global markets and customer experiences. We explore how decision-makers in 2025 are weighing cost, security, and performance—and how coexistence between narrowband and broadband is no longer theoretical, but increasingly the norm.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Evolving Definition of "Critical Comms": Why reliable communication is now a lifeline across multiple industries, not just public safety.
• Vertical-Specific Needs: What mining, transportation, utilities, and wind farms require from mission-critical networks—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Narrowband vs. Broadband: Coexistence & Reality: Why hybrid models are taking hold, and how enterprises are embracing “better together” approaches instead of full transitions.
• Economics Behind the Gear: How strategic buying decisions, OPEX models, and managed services are transforming procurement for critical infrastructure.
• Security, Reliability & SLA Pressures: What makes narrowband still indispensable despite the data promise of LTE/5G—and how cyber threats and system uptime influence long-term investments.
• Lessons for End Users: How adjacent verticals and system integrators can offer valuable procurement insight—and why manufacturers may be a crucial resource for cross-industry best practices.

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