London (UK) and Berlin (Germany), 28th August 2025, The Global Certification Forum (GCF) is pleased to announce Bundesanstalt für den Digitalfunk der Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsaufgaben (BDBOS), the German Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio, joining GCF as a Mission Critical Communications Operator (MCCO). By joining GCF, BDBOS will provide increased support for the joint GCF-TCCA Certification Program for Broadband Mission Critical Services. BDBOS reports to the German Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern), and is referred to as the Federal Government’s network operator.

BDBOS is a founding and active TCCA member for more than thirty years. This long-standing involvement highlights its dedication to the continued global development of secure critical communications.

In joining GCF, BDBOS emphasizes its commitment to the development of standards-based Mission Critical Broadband Services and shaping the future of mission-critical communications.

Frank Buddrus, Vice President at BDBOS, commented: “We are excited about joining GCF. We are looking forward to participating as a Mission Critical Communications Operator Member and support the ongoing work to establish and evolve necessary processes for testing and certification of mission critical products and services.”

Lars Nielsen, GCF’s Director General, stated: “GCF is pleased to welcome BDBOS joining GCF as the largest European MCCO. We are looking forward to the support of BDBOS to develop Mission Critical Broadband Services and establish certification requirements for Mission Critical Devices and Services for Public Safety Operators”.

Kevin Graham, TCCA CEO, highlights the importance of industry collaboration to build the full stack of testing and certification services for mission critical products and services. “TCCA and GCF have collaborated extensively to develop robust processes for the testing and certification of mission critical services. We strongly encourage our members, particularly those operating public safety communications networks, to consider joining GCF as MCCO members and request certification of devices and services.”

Increased support to GCF Certification from Mission Critical Communications Operators 

BDBOS joins GCF as the 5th public safety organisation within the last twelve months to becoming MCCO member.

All these organisations have also been participating in the Mission Critical Services Work Stream, set up by GCF and TCCA to align and speed up the market availability of certified 3GPP standards-based Mission Critical Broadband Services and Devices.

The GCF certification programmes assures device-network and client-server compliance to 3GPP standards for mission critical devices and services, as well as contributing to reducing testing cost and accelerating time-to-market. 

Photo Credit: BDBOS/Wilke