Making Waves

DAMM Cellular Systems

Making Waves is a podcast by DAMM exploring the technology, people, and challenges shaping critical communications. From PMR radio to next-gen broadband, we talk with experts and frontline users to uncover the innovations and decisions that keep teams connected when it matters most.

Episodes

  1. 6 JAN

    Bridging the future: Modernising critical comms in energy infrastructure

    Keeping a national energy network connected 24/7 leaves no room for downtime – and no room for short-term thinking. In this episode of Making Waves, we explore how large energy operators can modernise mission-critical communications without disrupting operations, safety or continuity. Joined by Witchukorn Naewwong (JC), Founder and Team Principal at Seanet Asia, this conversation goes beyond technology upgrades. It examines the strategic decisions behind transforming legacy radio networks into resilient, future-ready communication platforms across Thailand’s oil and gas sector. What does true modernisation look like when systems must operate continuously for decades? And how can operators evolve without introducing new risks? Drawing on real-world experience from pipeline networks and gas separation plants, JC shares a practitioner’s view on resilience, decentralisation and long-term sustainability. Listen in to discover: Why voice remains the foundation of mission-critical operationsHow phased migration enables transformation without downtimeDecentralised architectures and the elimination of single points of failureBridging legacy and new systems to protect long-term investmentsEnergy efficiency and sustainability as strategic design criteriaWhy the future of critical communications is hybrid by designThis is not just a technical discussion. It’s a real-world look at how large industrial operators modernise with confidence, keeping people safe today while building a foundation for the next decade.  Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Understanding the challenge 05:58 Bridging with the future 08:47 Where technology meets sustainability 10:42 Project now and looking ahead 15:41 Wrap-up    About the guest Witchukorn Naewwong (JC) is the Founder and Team Principal at Seanet Asia, leading its mission-critical communications business. With years of hands-on experience supporting national energy and industrial operators in Thailand, JC helps organisations design and deploy communication systems that are resilient, secure and adaptable. His work focuses on long-term platform thinking – enabling operators to modernise safely while remaining ready for whatever comes next.  Learn more about Seanet Asia: https://www.seanetasia.com/en Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DammVideoChannel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/damm-cellular-systems

    21 min

  2. 02/12/2025

    Bridging the gap: Taking a look at the MCX journey with Peter Clemons

    Keeping critical communications networks future-ready is no simple task. In this episode, we speak with Peter Clemons, founder of Quixoticity and a leading voice in mission-critical communications, about the challenges, timelines, and innovations shaping MCX adoption worldwide. What does it take to migrate from trusted PMR systems like TETRA to next-generation MCX technologies while keeping public safety connected? We explore the evolving landscape of mission-critical broadband with Peter, who shares insights from three decades of experience driving adoption, standards, and interoperability. From migration timelines and spectrum strategy to open standards and operational challenges, we unpack the factors influencing the future of critical communications. Listen in to discover: The role of MCX in modern public safety networksGlobal migration timelines and regional adoption trendsHow open standards and interoperability unlock innovationBalancing cost, resilience, and technological evolutionChapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:26 The birth of MCX 06:20 Searching for new ground 08:46 From public safety to new verticals 10:46 Clear communications are life critical 12:39 Moveable MCX timelines 15:00 Restrictive supply and service models 18:36 Interoperability is the key 21:22 One-to-many: the essence of critical communications 23:53 The challenges of migration 26:13 Open standards will unlock potential 28:27 Where cost is no barrier 31:20 Active partnerships 33:55 Indexing trends  This isn’t just a technical conversation. It’s an insider view of the people, policies, and strategic decisions shaping mission-critical communications today and for the decades ahead. Peter Clemons has 30 years’ experience in professional mobile radio and broadband critical communications. As founder of Quixoticity, he advises on MCX adoption, system integration, and international standards. Peter has worked across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, contributing to TETRA success stories and driving the evolution toward 3GPP-based mission-critical services.  Follow Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-clemons-041845/ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/damm-cellular-systems Youtube: https://youtu.be/3nWcLcof7Rs

    38 min

  3. 18/11/2025

    Voice on demand: Insights on strategy for mission-critical networks

    In critical communications, lives and operations depend on networks that never fail. In this episode, Terence Ledger shares insider insights on what it takes to deliver 99.999% uptime, keep users connected across sectors from public safety to mining, and prepare for the transition to hybrid and broadband networks. Hear why even the smallest details - like SIM management - can make or break a mission-critical system, and what lessons global deployments, including in the Middle East, reveal about resilience, security, and user trust. Listen in to discover: How to build networks that users can rely on, anywhere in the world The design choices that impact uptime and operational effectivenessPreparing organisations for hybrid and broadband adoptionSustainability and global support in critical communicationsThis isn’t just about technology, it’s about people, decisions, and systems that keep mission-critical communications running when it matters most. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Market signals and revenue strategy 11:40 Product evolution and customer benefit 16:49 Global reach & diverse sectors   20:47 Innovation, sustainability & brand trust   28:45 Vision & industry outlook   33:22 Wrap-up Terence Ledger is the Regional Director, APAC, Middle East and Africa at Sepura. He has nearly 15 years of experience shaping critical communications worldwide. His perspective blends strategic insight, operational expertise, and a deep focus on user-centric, reliable, and secure network solutions.

    35 min

  4. 04/11/2025

    High stakes, no room for error: Critical comms at global sporting events

    We're going behind the scenes of some of the world's biggest sporting events, where a dropped call isn't just annoying, it could be dangerous. In this episode, we talk with John Mantas, Team Lead Account Manager for Motorsports and Global Events at Riedel. With experience from major Summer and Winter Games as well as football World Cups, John and his colleagues design and deliver communication systems that simply cannot fail under extreme pressure, where precision and reliability are everything. The pressure of performance: Delivering full availability for half a billion viewers What does it truly take to deploy a mission-critical communication network for a global event with up to half a billion viewers? We dive into the massive logistical and technical challenge of temporary, high-stakes deployments. John reveals the intense, two-year planning cycles, the ever-changing international regulations, and the constant battle against signal interference and last-minute changes. From managing frequency-dense environments and securing temporary networks to ensuring complete redundancy in everything from power to antennas, we unpack the leadership and engineering required to keep thousands of staff - from race control to medical teams, safely connected. Listen in to discover: The four pillars of planning, including international regulations and worst-case scenario calculations.Why redundancy is the key factor when "failure is not an option."How teams mitigate threats ranging from cyberattacks to RF interference in crowded venues.The unique challenges of balancing client cost pressures with non-negotiable safety requirements.Real-world lessons and advice for designing your first event-based critical comms deployment. This isn't just a technical deep dive. It’s a front-row look at the high-stakes world where flawless communication ensures both a great show and the safety of everyone involved. John’s privileged insider perspective on delivering full availability makes for compelling listening. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 02:31 The scope & pressure of global events 08:52 Reliability & environmental challenges 13:40 Security, compliance & interoperability 17:27 Cost, innovation & client expectations 21:51 Lessons, stories & advice 26:08 Wrap-Up John Mantas is the Team Lead Account Manager for Motorsports and Global Events at Riedel. He specialises in designing and implementing professional communications solutions for large-scale, high-visibility events, focusing on absolute reliability and resilience under pressure.

    30 min

  5. 21/10/2025

    Global trends: Signals you can't ignore

    The landscape of mission-critical communication is shifting faster than ever. In this episode, we gain a rare, data-driven perspective with two of the industry’s top analysts from Omdia: Ildefonso De La Cruz Morales (Senior Principal Analyst - Industrial & Government Critical Communication) and Paul Bremner (Principal Analyst, Integrated Tech). This episode is a big-picture look at where the critical communications industry is heading - from PMR/LMR to broadband, from fragmented systems to integrated platforms, and from hardware sales to service models. A massive transformation is underway, driven by digitalisation and billions in investment. We tackle the macro trends, the tough questions about PMR vs. hybrid systems, the urgency of cybersecurity and the provocative role of artificial intelligence in first responder operations. Paul and Alfonso share insights from their worldwide research, providing actionable intelligence on where to invest, what to prioritise, and how to avoid being left behind. With two of the industry’s top analysts from Omdia, we’ll unpack global shifts, investment trends, technology adoption, and real-world market friction in PMR and broadband communications. Listen in to discover: Emerging tech and vendor trends: The shift to platform-based control rooms and the dual threat/promise of artificial intelligence (including deepfakes).  Global investment patterns and regional differences: Analysis of the billions of dollars shaping the ecosystem and navigating key adoption barriers. Pain points in system deployment, integration, and resilience: Addressing security with a secure-by-design approach that protects the supply chain and planning for the "1% of cases" that demand emergency communications. The role of government, policy, and standards in shaping outcomes: Practical advice for buyers on prioritising standards and flexibility to ensure long-term network growth. This isn’t just a technical deep dive. It’s a front-row look at the data, policies, and decisions that are defining the next decade of critical communications. The privileged insider perspective from Omdia’s leading experts makes compelling listening. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction  03:55 The big picture  11:20 Reliability market realities and friction points  22:15 Investment, innovation & cost of ownership  30:31 Security, regulation & resilience  36:13 Looking ahead  44:20 Wrap-up   About the guests: Ildefonso De La Cruz Morales is a Senior Principal Analyst in Omdia’s Critical Communications practice. He specializes in the broadband ecosystem, focusing on next-generation networks, 5G, and the global adoption of mission-critical communication technologies across public safety and enterprise verticals. Paul Bremner is a Principal Analyst in the critical communications group at Omdia, serving as the lead analyst for the Command and Control Rooms Intelligence Service. Paul holds a bachelor's degree in physics and has over a decade of experience analyzing security systems, safe cities, and the evolving public safety technology landscape. Crit Comms Circle podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/omdia-crit-comms-circle/id1598907968 https://open.spotify.com/show/2QeVNTXwfQhtORnxj2lEzJ

    46 min

  6. 07/10/2025

    Built to perform: Today and the future of mission-critical devices

    When communications can’t fail, performance is everything. In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hudson, Chief Technology Officer of Sepura, to explore what it really takes to design, build, and support mission-critical devices that keep people connected when it matters most. From the enduring value of TETRA technology to the new frontiers of hybrid systems, sustainability, and user-driven innovation, Peter brings a manufacturer’s perspective to the realities of critical communications where reliability, resilience, and innovation meet. We dive into the engineering and operational challenges behind the world’s toughest radios, the trade-offs between cost and performance, and how manufacturers like Sepura are responding to evolving user expectations, environmental pressures, and shifting market dynamics. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, part of the engineering community, or leading technology strategy, this episode offers an insider look at the people, products, and philosophies shaping the next generation of mission-critical devices. Listen in to discover: What today’s users expect from mission-critical radiosHow to balance performance, cost, and environmental standardsThe real future of TETRA and hybrid systemsApproaches to interoperability and total cost of ownershipInnovation in ruggedised technology and sustainable product designThis isn’t just a technical deep dive, it’s a conversation about purpose-built performance, user trust, and the evolving ecosystem that keeps mission-critical communications strong both today and into the future. Peter's privileged insider perspective makes compelling listening. We hope you will enjoy the episode. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The role of the manufacturer 09:57 Reliability, cost, and innovation 17:01 Environmental and operational challenges 23:35 TETRA’s future and ecosystem thinking 37:02 Leadership and outlook 40:37 Wrap-up   Peter Hudson is the Chief Technology Officer at Sepura, a global leader in TETRA communications solutions. With extensive experience in operations, engineering, and product strategy, Peter oversees the delivery of rugged, secure, and high-performance radios used by public safety, transport, and industrial organisations worldwide. His perspective bridges technology and operations ensuring that Sepura’s products meet the uncompromising demands of users on the front line.

    43 min

  7. 30/09/2025

    Talking wind with Orsted: Keeping the turbines running

    Keeping a multi-billion-euro offshore wind operation connected is no small task. In this episode, we speak with Michael Mikkelsen, Head of SCADA and Communication Systems at Ørsted, about the critical role of mission-critical communications in powering the world’s largest offshore wind producer. What does it take to maintain safe, reliable and efficient energy production when your infrastructure is remote, exposed to extreme conditions, and expected to operate for decades?  We dive into Ørsted’s communications strategy to uncover how TETRA and LTE keep turbines, substations and control rooms seamlessly linked, while balancing cost, resilience and environmental goals. From harsh offshore environments and hybrid network design to long-term cost management and sustainability, Michael shares the insights and lessons behind Ørsted’s approach to building a future-proof critical communications network. Listen in to discover:Comms in complex, safety-critical environmentsOffshore radio infrastructure and hybrid network architectureResilience, system uptime, and risk mitigationManaging costs in long-term industrial deploymentsSustainability and the future of green communicationsThis isn’t just a technical deep dive. It’s a rare look inside one of the world’s most advanced renewable energy operations - and the invisible systems that keep it running. Michael's privileged insider perspective makes compelling listening. We hope you will enjoy the episode.   Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Comms in energy operations 08:34  Resilience in harsh environments 18:01 Cost, efficiency & total ownership 23:29  Sustainability and comms strategy 30:47 Lessons, leadership & future direction 38:15 Wrap-up  Michael Mikkelsen is Head of SCADA and Communication Systems at Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind producer. With more than a decade of experience at Ørsted—and several years before that as a contractor delivering early-stage communication systems for the company’s first large offshore wind farms—Michael has been at the forefront of building and scaling mission-critical radio networks for renewable energy operations. Starting as a radio engineer in 2015 and becoming Head of Radio Communications in 2018, he has led the development of robust TETRA and LTE solutions to support Ørsted’s rapidly expanding global infrastructure. Today, he oversees the broader integration of SCADA and communications, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations across some of the world’s most challenging environments.

    41 min

  8. 23/09/2025

    Breaking the silos: Keeping emergency services connected

    Keeping the UK’s emergency services connected is a complex and critical task. In this episode, we speak with Duncan Swan, COO of British APCO, about the challenges, priorities, and leadership driving public safety communications today - and into the future. What does it take to keep the UK’s emergency services connected when lives are on the line? We dive into the critical communications landscape of UK public safety with British APCO. Duncan shares how BAPCO drives collaboration and policy clarity while tackling the ongoing transformation from PMR to hybrid and broadband systems. From interoperability and cost pressures to digital transition and risk, we unpack the leadership challenges shaping the future of public safety. Listen in to discover:The mission and influence of British APCONational priorities for public safety communicationsHow user voices guide system evolutionThe balance of cost, resilience, and technology adoptionThis isn’t just a technical deep dive. It’s a front-row look at the people, policies and decisions that keep public safety communications strong—today and for the future. Duncan's privileged insider perspective makes compelling listening. Duncan Swan has over 40 years’ experience of public safety technology and joined British APCO as COO in 2022. His role includes providing strategic and technical input into mobile communications and associated technologies for public safety organisations in the UK. In 2005 he was awarded the inaugural Gareth Wilkinson Memorial Award “in recognition and appreciation of outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of BAPCO, and personal commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Association”. He is a regular conference speaker, contributor and editorial adviser to industry journals, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology and a Member of the Institute of Directors. Explore British APCO

    42 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Making Waves is a podcast by DAMM exploring the technology, people, and challenges shaping critical communications. From PMR radio to next-gen broadband, we talk with experts and frontline users to uncover the innovations and decisions that keep teams connected when it matters most.

Information

  • Creator
    DAMM Cellular Systems
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright DAMM Cellular Systems
  • Show Website
    Making Waves