Seconds matter in emergency situations. And yet, many communication structures used by public safety organisations or critical infrastructure are still based on technologies that were primarily developed for voice communication – not for data-driven emergency situations. This is exactly where MCX comes in.
MCX (Mission Critical Services) is internationally recognised as the central future standard for broadband operational communications via LTE and 5G networks. But MCX is neither a single product nor a purely technical project. It is a paradigm shift: away from isolated voice communication towards integrated, prioritised, and interoperable operational communications.
This article brings together all the relevant perspectives – technically sound, practically classified, and critically evaluated. The aim is to explain why MCX is necessary and how it can be realistically implemented.
What is MCX?
MCX stands for Mission Critical Services. It is a suite of mission-critical communication services (voice, data, and video) that is part of the 3GPP standard for LTE and 5G networks. Unlike conventional broadband communications, MCX is specifically designed to meet the needs of emergency services and critical infrastructure, ensuring the highest priority, availability, and security even in extreme situations.
The initial aim is to combine the proven logic of digital radio communications with the capabilities of modern broadband networks – without compromising on availability, security, or prioritisation.
However, there is a much bigger vision for MCX:
MCX is not a single service, but rather a standardised overall concept that provides multiple forms of communication and enables interoperability between services, specialist procedures, and organisations. Even cross-border operational communication can be realised with MCX. In crisis or emergency situations, this allows for all cases of cooperation between public safety, emergency services, and aid organisations to be mapped.
At its core, MCX consists of three closely interlinked services:
This three-way division is no coincidence: it accurately reflects the communication requirements of modern operations.
MCX: the future standard for digital radio
Currently, MCX is not a radical replacement for the classic Tetra digital radio standard, but rather a strategic addition to it. In practice, this means that classic Tetra radio will remain the robust backbone for voice communication for the time being, especially in critical situations and during network failures.
MCPTT, MCDATA, and MCVIDEO will complement Tetra in the medium term and offer possibilities for modern data transmission, situation information, and multimedia communication. This enables control centres to manage emergency services even more effectively, giving them an information advantage and enabling them to provide assistance more quickly.
MCX will thus initially serve as a bridge between proven infrastructure and modern operational reality and, together with classic radio, form a resilient overall system for all operational situations.
In the long term, there will be a transition from Tetra to MCX. This will move away from isolated solutions towards interoperable command-and-control systems and optimise cross-organisational and cross-border operational communication.
Why existing systems alone are no longer sufficient
MCX will arrive and complement existing tools such as radio, eventually replacing them in the long term. This is because the complexity of police operations or processes in critical infrastructure companies, for example, is increasing. Today’s circumstances, therefore, require more sophisticated communication.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges that clearly show that existing systems alone are no longer sufficient.
A changing operational reality
Modern operations are data-driven. Situation reports are no longer based solely on radio communications, but also on live locations, images, videos, status updates, and real-time information. Traditional radio cannot handle this complexity due to bandwidth constraints. MCX will soon be integrated into collaboration tools such as Teamwire.
Learn more about modern operational communication with Teamwire here.
Prioritised communication in mobile communications
MCX enables quality of service (QoS), prioritisation, and preemption in mobile communications.
This means:
Emergency communications are given priority – even during network congestion or large-scale incidents. It is precisely this point that fundamentally distinguishes MCX from conventional broadband transmission.
Interoperability instead of isolated solutions
MCX is designed as an open standard. End devices, services, and systems from different manufacturers can work together interoperably, both nationally and internationally. This allows control centres, specialist procedures, and drones, for example, to be connected across organisations. This is essential for large-scale operations and cross-border missions, especially in border regions.
Future-proof with LTE and 5G
While digital radio networks such as Tetra are reaching their technological limits, MCX was developed for LTE and 5G from the outset – including network slicing, dynamic prioritisation, and future enhancements.
Maximum security and sovereignty for sensitive data
Modern encryption and sovereign hosting (e.g., in Germany) ensure data sovereignty and keep public safety and critical infrastructure communications independent of third countries and influences, e.g., from the USA.
The three central pillars of MCX explained briefly
As briefly mentioned at the beginning of this article, the MCX standard consists of three closely interlinked parts.
MCPTT: Mission Critical Push-to-Talk
MCPTT is the heart of MCX and also the natural entry point into the MCX world. It transfers proven radio logic to IP-based networks.
MCPTT modernises classic digital radio:
- Instant voice connection at the touch of a button
- Group and speaker prioritisation
- Emergency call and override functions
- Guaranteed quality and low latency
- Standardised interoperability
The key difference:
MCPTT is not a convenience feature, but a highly regulated service for emergency services and critical infrastructure. Anyone who equates MCPTT with “walkie-talkie via app” misunderstands MCX’s mission-critical requirements.
MCDATA: Mission Critical Data
MCDATA expands MCX by prioritising the exchange of structured operational data. Language alone is no longer sufficient in complex situations. Decisions require more context.
MCDATA enables, among other things:
- Status reports from the operation
- Text and data messages
- Images, documents, and locations
- Structured situation information
The added value lies not only in the diversity, but also in the reliability under stress. MCDATA ensures that critical information reaches its destination even when networks are busy.
MCVIDEO: Mission Critical Video
MCVIDEO brings the visual dimension to mission-critical and mission-supporting communications.
Typical application scenarios are:
- Live video from the mission to the control centre
- Visual reconnaissance of the situation on site
- Support from special forces
- Coordination during major events (BAO)
The same applies here:
MCVIDEO is not a normal video call, but a prioritised, secure MCX service, specially developed for situations in which comprehensive image information is critical.
Practical example: MCX in real-life operation
A typical, realistic scenario: a major fire in an industrial area.
While the incident command team coordinates via MCPTT and coordinates the police, fire brigade, and rescue services, a team sends live images of the hazardous situation via MCVIDEO. At the same time, employees in the control centre use MCDATA to transmit building plans and hazardous substance information to all on-site emergency services. Even when network utilisation is high, communication remains stable.
The operational added value is obvious: no media breaks, no parallel systems, comprehensive management and communication structures.
MCX is not just a buzzword, but the future of emergency communications
MCX is the logical response to a reality in which voice alone is no longer sufficient. For emergency services, MCX provides a foundation for better situational awareness, faster decision-making, and greater safety for emergency personnel.
Teamwire is working with partners such as Frequentis to implement the standard. Feel free to contact us directly for more information and insights into the future of digital radio.
You can get an insight into the practical application of emergency communications in our success story about the Bavarian police.
What does MCX mean?
MCX stands for Mission Critical Services – a standardised overall concept for mission-critical and mission-supporting communication services via LTE and 5G networks. It comprises three main services: MCPTT (push-to-talk), MCData (data exchange), and MCVideo (live video).
Who needs MCX?
MCX is primarily aimed at public safety organisations such as the police, fire brigade, and rescue services, as well as operators of critical infrastructures such as energy suppliers, hospitals, and transport companies.
What is the difference between MCX and normal mobile communications?
MCX uses mobile networks but offers key additional functions: prioritised connections (even when the network is congested), pre-emption (displacement of other users in an emergency), complete encryption, and standardised interoperability between different organisations and manufacturers.
Will MCX replace digital radio?
Yes, probably – but only in the long term. As a first step, MCX technology will strategically complement the current Tetra standard. Traditional digital radio will remain a robust backbone for voice communication. MCX expands the possibilities to include data, voice, and video communication for more complex situations. In the long term, MCX is set to replace Tetra as the standard and combine all its advantages for interoperable command and control systems and cross-organisational and cross-border operational communication under one roof.
Can MCX also function without a mobile network?
MCX generally requires an LTE or 5G network. However, in critical areas, dedicated private mobile networks or hybrid solutions that function independently of the public network can be used. For absolute network independence, classic radio remains the primary solution.
What distinguishes MCPTT from normal push-to-talk?
MCPTT is not just a simple “walkie-talkie app”, but a highly regulated BOS service with guaranteed voice quality, minimal latency (<300 ms), group and speaker prioritisation, emergency call functions, and standardised interoperability. It meets the strict requirements for emergency communications.
Can existing smartphones be used for MCX?
Yes, commercially available smartphones can generally be used, provided they meet the security and management requirements (e.g., mobile device management, encryption, special MCX apps). For particularly robust applications, there are also specialised MCX-enabled rugged devices.
How secure is MCX compared to commercial messengers?
MCX offers significantly higher security than commercial messengers: full encryption including metadata, zero-trust architecture, sovereign hosting (e.g., in Germany), GDPR compliance, and no dependence on third countries such as the USA. Data sovereignty remains entirely within the public safety organisations.
Where is the data stored?
With solutions such as Teamwire, all data is hosted on servers in Germany. The infrastructure meets the highest security standards and is fully compliant with German and European data protection law.
Can MCX communications be intercepted?
Full encryption protects MCX communications from unauthorised access. Even infrastructure operators cannot view the content. Only authorised communication partners have access to the decrypted content.
Is MCX already available today, or is it just a pipe dream?
MCX is not a distant vision, but is already being introduced step by step. Pilot projects are underway in several European countries, and solutions such as Teamwire are actively preparing for MCX integration. The technology is mature and ready for practical use.
How long does migration to MCX take?
Migration takes place in stages and can take several years. The advantage is that MCX runs in parallel with existing systems, enabling a smooth transition without any interruption to operations. Organisations can start with MCPTT and add MCData and MCVideo later.
Why is it worth investing in MCX?
MCX offers long-term benefits: future-proofing thanks to its 5G basis, improved operational coordination through multimedia communication, greater safety for emergency services through better situational awareness, and investment protection through international standards instead of proprietary systems.
Can different emergency services organisations communicate with each other?
Yes, that is precisely one of the main advantages of MCX. The open 3GPP standard allows police, fire brigades, rescue services, and other organisations to communicate with each other regardless of manufacturer and system – even across national borders.
Does MCX also work internationally?
Yes, MCX is designed to meet international standards. In cross-border operations or major international incidents, emergency services from different countries can work together via MCX, provided their systems use the same standard.
Which network operators support MCX?
MCX can generally be operated on all major mobile networks, provided that appropriate agreements on prioritisation and QoS have been made. Organisations can also set up private MCX networks. Specific availability is developing dynamically – information should be obtained from the respective network operators.