This opening panel examines how organisations are operating beyond single-network models by running legacy LMR, MCX and emerging architectures in parallel as a long-term operating approach. It will discuss how hybrid mission-critical networks can deliver greater operational scale, resilience and cross-sector collaboration, while introducing new considerations around interoperability, control and trust. The session will also address the role of integration, shared digital foundations and control rooms in enabling multi-agency and cross-sector operations, alongside the governance, sovereignty and assurance challenges that arise when systems are shared across organisations and borders.

Key themes:

• Operating hybrid networks in parallel: Managing legacy LMR, MCX and emerging architectures as a long-term operating model while maintaining control, resilience and service continuity.
• Interoperability and operational scale: Using integration and shared digital foundations to enable multi-agency and cross-sector collaboration across public safety, transport, utilities, defence and critical infrastructure.
• Trust, governance and assurance: Addressing control room integration, system sovereignty and assurance requirements when mission-critical services are shared across organisations and borders.