Phil Mason is joined by Darryl Keen and Matt Leat to reflect on BAPCO 2026

In this episode of the Critical Communications Today podcast, BAPCO Journal Editor Phil Mason sits down with Darryl Keen (Vice-Chair & Trustee, BAPCO) and Matt Leat (Trustee, BAPCO) for a wrap-up discussion at the close of BAPCO 2026. 

Recorded live at the event, this conversation reflects on two busy days of networking, innovation, and insight across the public safety communications sector. The discussion explores key themes from the exhibition, including the growing momentum behind ESN, the importance of collaboration, and the increasing focus on wellbeing and people within a technology-driven environment.

The episode also highlights the value of global partnerships, emerging technologies, and the role of BAPCO in supporting and developing professionals across the sector. This is the first episode in a new live podcast series recorded at BAPCO 2026, with more conversations and insights to come.

👉 https://www.criticalcomms.com/
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists

Phil Mason is joined by Darryl Keen and Matt Leat to reflect on BAPCO 2026
In this episode of the Critical Communications Today podcast, BAPCO Journal Editor Phil Mason sits down with Darryl Keen (Vice-Chair &amp; Trustee, BAPCO) and Matt Leat (Trustee, BAPCO) for a wrap-up discussion at the close of BAPCO 2026.&nbsp;
Recorded live at the event, this conversation reflects on two busy days of networking, innovation, and insight across the public safety communications sector. The discussion explores key themes from the exhibition, including the growing momentum behind ESN, the importance of collaboration, and the increasing focus on wellbeing and people within a technology-driven environment.
The episode also highlights the value of global partnerships, emerging technologies, and the role of BAPCO in supporting and developing professionals across the sector. This is the first episode in a new live podcast series recorded at BAPCO 2026, with more conversations and insights to come.
👉 <a href="https://www.criticalcomms.com/">https://www.criticalcomms.com/</a> 👉 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists">https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists</a>

The CCT Podcast is the official podcast from Critical Communications Today, hosted by editor Philip Mason.

Each episode brings together voices from across the critical communications, public safety and technology sectors to explore the ideas, innovations and real-world challenges shaping modern communications and emergency response.

Featuring industry leaders, emergency services professionals and technology experts, The CCT Podcast covers the trends, experiences and developments influencing mission-critical communications and the wider world of connected technology, resilience and public safety.

With insightful conversations and expert perspectives, The CCT Podcast provides a platform for the people driving change across the sector, whilst also offering a wider look at how technology, communication and innovation continue to shape the world around us.

The CCT Podcast is the official podcast from Critical Communications Today, hosted by editor&nbsp;Philip Mason.
Each episode brings together voices from across the critical communications, public safety and technology sectors to explore the ideas, innovations and real-world challenges shaping modern communications and emergency response.
Featuring industry leaders, emergency services professionals and technology experts, The CCT Podcast covers the trends, experiences and developments influencing mission-critical communications and the wider world of connected technology, resilience and public safety.
With insightful conversations and expert perspectives, The CCT Podcast provides a platform for the people driving change across the sector, whilst also offering a wider look at how technology, communication and innovation continue to shape the world around us.

The CCT Podcast

BAPCO 2026 Wrap-Up: Key Insights from the Public Safety Communications Sector

How are artificial intelligence, next-generation emergency calling systems and cross-border cooperation shaping the future of emergency response?

In this episode of the Critical Communications Today Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Benoit Vivier, Public Affairs Director at the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), at Critical Communications World (CCW).

Benoit discusses EENA's work to improve emergency response across Europe and beyond, highlighting the importance of connecting emergency calling systems with the critical communications networks used by first responders.

The conversation explores the development of the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), the evolution of Next Generation 112, and the need for greater interoperability between countries, including the UK's ongoing role in European emergency communications.

They also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in emergency call centres, from real-time translation and transcription to noise reduction and dispatch support, alongside the practical, ethical and regulatory challenges of implementing these technologies.

👉 CCT
👉 YouTube

How are artificial intelligence, next-generation emergency calling systems and cross-border cooperation shaping the future of emergency response?
In this episode of the Critical Communications Today Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Benoit Vivier, Public Affairs Director at the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), at Critical Communications World (CCW).
Benoit discusses EENA's work to improve emergency response across Europe and beyond, highlighting the importance of connecting emergency calling systems with the critical communications networks used by first responders.
The conversation explores the development of the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), the evolution of Next Generation 112, and the need for greater interoperability between countries, including the UK's ongoing role in European emergency communications.
They also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in emergency call centres, from real-time translation and transcription to noise reduction and dispatch support, alongside the practical, ethical and regulatory challenges of implementing these technologies.
👉 <a href="https://www.criticalcomms.com">CCT</a> 👉 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3651Cs6VE">YouTube</a>

Benoit Vivier: AI and the Future of Emergency Response

Jason Day, Deputy Director of DRONERESPONDERS, joins CCT to discuss how drone technology is transforming public safety operations, from search and rescue and disaster response to securing some of the world’s largest events. 

Drawing on decades of experience in aviation and his work helping to build one of the largest public safety UAS programmes in the US, Jason explains how drones are now being integrated into complex, layered airspace alongside helicopters, aircraft and commercial drone operations.

With the FIFA World Cup bringing huge crowds across multiple US host cities, the conversation explores the role drones and counter-UAS technology will play in protecting stadiums, fan festivals, training sites and other major gathering points.

Recorded at Critical Communications World, this episode looks at how drones have moved from emerging technology to an increasingly vital part of modern public safety operations.

👉 CCT
👉 YouTube

Jason Day, Deputy Director of DRONERESPONDERS, joins CCT to discuss how drone technology is transforming public safety operations, from search and rescue and disaster response to securing some of the world&rsquo;s largest events.&nbsp;
Drawing on decades of experience in aviation and his work helping to build one of the largest public safety UAS programmes in the US, Jason explains how drones are now being integrated into complex, layered airspace alongside helicopters, aircraft and commercial drone operations.
With the FIFA World Cup bringing huge crowds across multiple US host cities, the conversation explores the role drones and counter-UAS technology will play in protecting stadiums, fan festivals, training sites and other major gathering points.
Recorded at Critical Communications World, this episode looks at how drones have moved from emerging technology to an increasingly vital part of modern public safety operations.
👉 <a href="https://www.criticalcomms.com">CCT</a> 👉 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3651Cs6VE">YouTube</a>

Jason Day: How drones are transforming public safety and securing the FIFA World Cup

CCT speaks with Brad Morell, Director for Network Technology Operations and International Engagement at the First Responder Network Authority, and Mathew Walsh, Head of Public Safety Product at AT&T, about the evolution of FirstNet and the future of public safety communications.

Brad reflects on his three decades in public safety, including his experiences around the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics and the response to 9/11, and how communications failures helped drive the creation of a nationwide dedicated broadband network for first responders.

Together, Brad and Mathew discuss the partnership behind FirstNet, the continuing challenge of interoperability, the importance of international collaboration, and how technologies including IoT and AI could help make communications increasingly seamless for emergency services.

Ultimately, their ambition is simple: first responders should be able to focus on the incident in front of them, while the technology they rely on simply works.

👉 CCT
👉 YouTube

CCT speaks with Brad Morell, Director for Network Technology Operations and International Engagement at the First Responder Network Authority, and Mathew Walsh, Head of Public Safety Product at AT&amp;T, about the evolution of FirstNet and the future of public safety communications.
Brad reflects on his three decades in public safety, including his experiences around the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics and the response to 9/11, and how communications failures helped drive the creation of a nationwide dedicated broadband network for first responders.
Together, Brad and Mathew discuss the partnership behind FirstNet, the continuing challenge of interoperability, the importance of international collaboration, and how technologies including IoT and AI could help make communications increasingly seamless for emergency services.
Ultimately, their ambition is simple: first responders should be able to focus on the incident in front of them, while the technology they rely on simply works.
👉 <a href="https://www.criticalcomms.com">CCT</a> 👉 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLp-yy84Dy0">YouTube</a>

BAPCO 2026 Wrap-Up: Key Insights from the Public Safety Communications Sector

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