• Join us at IWCE for 8 Project 25 Panels featuring the latest Updates,  Applications and Capabilities of P25 technology Including a P25 Standards Update and a one hour open forum “Ask the Experts” session on Monday.
• Visit the Project 25 Technology Interest Group Booth (1835).  Bring your questions and meet with P25 User agency directors and engineers from our P25 Industry members and consultants.
• See all the new P25 Products and services from 27 PTIG member Booths on the show floor.

PTIG P25 Panel Schedule

Visit the Project 25 Technology Interest Group Booth (1835). 

Bring your questions and meet with P25 User agency directors and engineers from our P25 Industry members and consultants.

See all the new P25 Products and services from 24 PTIG Members on the show floor.

PTIG P25 Panel Summaries IWCE 2026:

P25 LMR & LTE: Better Together with Standards-Based Interworking

Brad Stoddard  (SWIC and Director, Michigan's Public Safety Communications System)

Jeremy Elder  (Director of Product Experience Technology, L3Harris)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

John Lambrou  (Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, Motorola Solutions)

Ramin Hafezi  (Director of Engineering, Tait Americas)

Jerry Drobka  (Network Solutions Architect, Etherstack)

Location: W220

Date: Monday, March 16

Time: 9:40 am - 10:40 am

Project 25 has over 3600 LMR systems on the air today offering Public Safety Grade PTT communications to First Responders nationwide. New Public Safety Broadband LTE systems offer expanded coverage and new features requiring higher data rates. Many users question what type of Mission Critical PTT Interworking will be available between the two technologies.

First, a P25 System Administrator's expectations for LMR/LTE Interworking. Then, a newly published "Study of Interworking between P25 LMR and 3GPP (MCPTT) Mission Critical Services" report from TIA TR-8 (responsible for P25 Standards) and The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) will be presented. This report includes scenarios and considerations for the use of a 3GPP Interworking Function (IWF) to enable interoperability of common standard services between LMR and LTE.

New Testing Technologies for Compliance, Reliability, and Peace of Mind

Cheryl Giggetts  (Principal Consultant, CTA Consultants)

Ian Carpenter  (President, Vaild8)

David Adams  (Senior Director, Critical Communications, PCTEL)

Chris Lougee  (Business Development and Account Manager, Compliance Testing, LLC.)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Christopher Sadiq  (Applications Engineer, VIAVI Solutions)

Location: W225

Date: Monday, March 16

Time: 3:10 pm - 4:10 pm

Project 25 standards and technology have evolved over the last 37 years. New P25 Testing Technology has kept pace with a broad array of new testing products, services, labs and compliance assessment programs. These testing solutions are currently available to help users assure reliable operation for their Critical Infrastructure as well as the safety of their First Responders. Testing remains a key element to guide the procurement and maintenance of their systems.

The session will begin with an overview of the testing options available including: System, Network, and Subscriber Radio testing. Important considerations for testing during procurement, deployment and ongoing maintenance for LMR Systems will be shared. A new concept that allows Subscriber Radios to be tested automatically, "over the air" will be presented. Network linked testing at multiple P25 Infrastructure sites by a CAP accredited lab will be detailed. 

Project 25 Questions? Ask the Experts

Don Root  (Project 25 Manager, APCO International)

John Lambrou  (Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, Motorola Solutions)

Jeremy Elder  (Director of Product Experience Technology, L3Harris)

Scott Wright  (Senior Telecommunications Engineer 2, State of CT/DESPP/DSET)

Brad Stoddard  (SWIC and Director, Michigan's Public Safety Communications System)

Cheryl Giggetts  (Principal Consultant, CTA Consultants)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Ramin Hafezi  (Director of Engineering, Tait Americas)

Location: W220

Date: Monday, March 16

Time: 4:20 pm - 5:20 pm

This panel offers access to the leaders of Project 25 through an "Open Forum" question and answer session. Bring your burning P25 questions and issues to our distinguished panel for answers on topics like…
§ Can my P25 system be linked to others to form a "System of Systems"?
§ How can P25 assure Interoperability for First Responders roaming into other P25 systems for Mutual Aid?
§ Is my P25 System Secure? What new Cyber Security and Encryption is available? How do I share Encryption Keys?
§ Can my P25 LMR users share Talk-groups and encryption with LTE Smartphone users?
§ What resources are available to test my P25 network and subscribers.
§ I have interoperability issues between vendors. How to resolve?
§ How do I get a new idea into the P25 Standards development process?

Security Triad for P25 LMR: Encryption+Access+Cyber IDs

Scott Wright  (Sr. Telecommunications Engineer II/SWIC, State of CT/DESPP/DSET)

Hermina (Nina) Koshinski  (Chief of Radio Operations Engineering & Support, Pennsylvania State Police PA-STARNet)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Jeremy Elder  (Director of Product Experience Technology, L3Harris)

Location: W220

Date: Tuesday, March 17

Time: 9:40 am - 10:40 am

Project 25 Standards define "Defense in Depth" security for the nation's First Responders through a triad of three unique P25 Communication Security Services, each with an integral key management and delivery process. It is important to understand the unique capabilities that each service offers and how they can be combined and applied offering: confidentiality, Integrity, and availability for P25 voice, data, and network information.

The P25 Communications Services Security Triad:
• Voice and Data Encryption (256 bit AES): Encrypts and protects the voice and data information sent over the air.
• Link Layer Authentication (LLA): Protects the System from access by unauthorized users.
• Link Layer Encryption (LLE, Currently in development): Protects the data and User ID information sent on the Control Channel of the system.

P25 New Products and Services for 2026

Cheryl Giggetts  (Principal Consultant, CTA Consultants)

Rajit Jhaver  (Associate Vice President, Federal Engineering)

Susan Ronning, P.E., PMP, ASEP  (Owner and Principal Engineer, ADCOMM Engineering LLC)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Location: W218

Date: Tuesday, March 17

Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

This session will explore the latest New P25 Products and Services from members of the Project 25 Technology Interest Group (PTIG). The slides will describe the user needs met, benefits to Public Safety, and the relevance of the new product or service to the existing market. This forum will provide an efficient overview of new Project 25 offerings and allow user agencies to ask questions and gather additional information.

The products and services will be presented in a PPT informational news format. The presentation will portray "What's New" and is not intended to be an endorsement or sales promotion by the panel.

P25 Case Studies: Real Systems, Real People, Real World

Brad Stoddard  (SWIC and Director, Michigan's Public Safety Communications System)

Michael Rohrbacher  (Director of Public Safety Communications, State of New Mexico Department of Information Technology)

Jason Haynes  (Radio Systems Manager, Buncombe County Information Technology Department)

Jim Holthaus  (Wireless Communication SME Consultant, US Department of Justice)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Brandon Diemer  (Deputy Chief, Radio & Spectrum Management Branch, Information Resources Directorate / National Park Service / Department of the Interior)

Location: W214

Date: Wednesday, March 18

Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Veteran System Administrators and policy planners will offer a first-hand view of their experience with P25 technology. A description of their P25 Systems, architecture, and governance models will be shared with lessons learned to maximize interoperability, performance, and cost-effective communications for their First Responders.
P25 Case Studies:
§ State of Michigan Statewide P25 MPSCS system. This Flagship system is now 30 years old and exemplifies broad user acceptance across the state now serving 124,000 radios utilized by more than 2100 agencies.
§ US Department of Justice operates a variety of DOJ secure AES encrypted P25 systems that paired with State and Local P25 networks serve numerous Federal law enforcement agencies nationwide.
§ State of New Mexico hosts a world-famous Balloon Festival each year in Albuquerque. Learn how P25 serves First Responder interoperability and safety for this massive event.
§ Ashville NC: With cellular and other infrastructure down The P25 network was a true lifesaver, allowing the county's rescue workers to communicate and help save lives and property across Ashville NC during Hurricane Helene.
§ National Park Service uses P25 as its primary LMR system to ensure ranger safety, coordinate search and rescue, and manage law enforcement and emergency operations in areas with little or no cell coverage. P25 provides secure, reliable communication, emergency alerts, and GPS tracking in the harshest of environments. NPS can interoperate seamlessly with local, state, tribal, and federal partners during wildfires, rescues, and other multi-agency incidents, making them the backbone of park communications.

P25 LMR Radios in Aircraft…. Not as Simple as You Thought

Kenneth Brown  (USFS Telecommunications Specialist Retired, Consultant)

Hermina (Nina) Koshinski  (Chief of Radio Operations Engineering & Support, Pennsylvania State Police PA-STARNet)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Brandon Diemer  (Deputy Chief, Radio & Spectrum Management Branch, Information Resources Directorate / National Park Service / Department of the Interior)

Location: W214

Date: Wednesday, March 18

Time: 4:20 pm - 5:20 pm

Project 25 LMR radios in aircraft create secure communications links to ground personnel for coordinated incident management in Wildland Fire, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Natural Disaster relief/recovery. Many challenges and issues in both civilian and military aircraft have been identified and resolved over the previous two decades. The key to success is well engineered installation and programming of the aircraft radio and proper selection and mounting of the antenna.

The session will be presented by Ken Brown, a nationally recognized expert in aircraft radio installation for the US Forest Service and numerous National Guard air operations. Come to learn why simply hopping on board an aircraft with a portable radio does not work and can cause serious issues for the aircraft's operation. Learn about Multi band P25 aircraft radios, specifically designed for aircraft use, and how P25 ground subscriber radios can be adapted.

In addition, Brandon Diemer, Deputy Chief, Radio & Spectrum Management Branch of the National Park Service will share how aircraft are used to support fire and law enforcement in National Parks nationwide. He will detail the use of aircraft for wildland fire fighting including spotter, tanker, and smoke jumper operations managed by National Fire Center in Boise ID.

Lastly, Hermina (Nina) Koshinski will present her experience with aircraft support and issues identified during a series of critical manhunts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Law Enforcement interoperability using the Pennsylvania State Police PA-STARNet state-wide system will be shared.

Project 25 for the Future

John Lambrou  (Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, Motorola Solutions)

Jeremy Elder  (Director of Product Experience Technology, L3Harris)

Don Root  (Project 25 Manager, APCO International)

Scott Wright  (Sr. Telecommunications Engineer II/SWIC, State of CT/DESPP/DSET)

Stephen Nichols  (Executive Director, PROJECT 25 TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP)

Ramin Hafezi  (Director of Engineering, Tait Americas)

Location: W214

Date: Thursday, March 19

Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Project 25 Technology has evolved over the last 36 years with new standards and capabilities enabling interoperability that assures operational efficiency and safety for First Responders and citizens alike. Today P25 technology remains critically important to government agencies, and critical infrastructure users with over 3600 systems on the air, 42 state-wide networks in the USA, and systems operating in over 80 nations worldwide.

Learn what the future holds for this user driven technology in an increasingly complex world. See the roadmap for Standards based P25 LMR interworking with LTE. Get the latest 2026 update for P25 standards recently published and new standards in development.

Improved First Responder safety is possible through a variety of new capabilities including P25 emergency alarms (man-down, vehicle sensed, accessory sensed, and new silent alarm and remotely activated alarm), "GPS location on PTT"-enabling situational awareness and tracking for every call, and a new multi-vendor "User ID alias" sharing plain English user-names across multiple systems and talk groups.

Robust security and Encryption is essential in today's threat environment. Learn about P25 "Defense in Depth" through 256 bit AES voice and data encryption, new P25 Link Layer Security Standards (Cyber Security for P25 Control Channels and Unit IDs), and an improved multi-mode Key-fill Device interface and "over the air" rekeying capabilities. In addition, new Technical Service Bulletins offer recommended radio specs to mitigate broad-band interference and offer accurate coverage predictions including "In-Building" applications.

The Project 25 Technology Interest Group (PTIG) is pleased to announce our latest P25 System of the Month: Puerto Rico P25 TRS. 

The Full Articles are available for download in both an English and Spanish version using the links below: 

El Grupo de Interés en Tecnología Project 25 (PTIG) se complace en anunciar su Sistema P25 del Mes más reciente: el sistema P25 TRS de Puerto Rico.

Los artículos completos están disponibles para su descarga tanto en inglés como en español a través de los siguientes enlaces: 

Links: 

P25 System of the Month: Puerto Rico (English)

Sistema P25 del mes - Puerto Rico (Espanol)

The Puerto Rico Police have been a key player in the history of public-safety telecommunications on the Island, since the 1960s. Solid infrastructure was established that, for decades, has supported first responders.

The P25 TRS of Puerto Rico is the backbone of public-safety communications on the Island. Its performance during Hurricane María and its capacity for expansion and integration make it a model of interoperability and self-sufficiency.

Today, with 24 towers, 206 projected channels, more than more than 11,000 radios, and over 8 million annual calls, Puerto Rico demonstrates technical leadership in the Caribbean and the United States. Collaboration from APCO International (Florida) and the FCC was essential for the design and completion of critical P25 TRS projects.

La Policía de Puerto Rico ha sido protagonista en la historia de las telecomunicaciones de seguridad pública en la Isla. Desde los años 60, se cimentó una infraestructura que, durante décadas, ha respaldado la primera respuesta.

El Sistema TRS P25 de Puerto Rico es la columna vertebral de la seguridad pública en la Isla. Su desempeño durante el Huracan María y su capacidad de expansión e integración lo convierten en un modelo de interoperabilidad y autosuficiencia.

Hoy, con 24 torres, 206 canales proyectados, +11,000 radios y +8 millones de llamadas anuales, Puerto Rico demuestra liderazgo técnico en el Caribe y Estados Unidos. La colaboración de APCO International (Florida) y la FCC fue clave para el diseño y culminación de proyectos críticos del sistema TRS P25.

For More Information contact:

The Project 25 Technology Interest Group is pleased to publish our latest P25 Trunking Systems list. Thanks to Ken Brown, author of the list, for his continued support

The full list can be downloaded using the link below:

Project 25 Trunking Systems List January 2026

P25 Trunking Systems Totals:

P25 Phase 1: 630 Systems +79 International = 709

P25 Phase 2: 631 Systems + 32 International = 663

Total P25 Trunking Systems = 1261 + 105 International = 1372 Total Systems

78 new P25 Systems Identified in this update

Trends since last published list:

• Consolidation continues as smaller local systems join larger P25 Regional and State-wide Networks
• Transition from P25 Phase1 FDMA to P25 Phase 2 TDMA continues. Significant upgrade to Phase 2 technology in military systems.
• New Amateur Radio Systems added to the list.

Total P25 Systems Trunking and Conventional

Total P25 Trunking 1261 + 105 International = 1372

Total P25 Conventional (Sept 2023) = 2387                                                       

Grand total for known P25 Systems Trunking & Conventional = 3759

The Project 25 Technology Interest Group is pleased to publish links to 3 New P25 Videos from DHS CISA, NCSWIC-SAFECOM and the Public Safety User Needs working Group PSUNWG.

The videos give P25 Users and developers great insight into the PSUNWG P25 Users Working Group, Project 25 Authentication, and a detailed look at the 3 primary P25 Security Services and their respective scope and benefits. 

The videos can be accessed using the links found below:

What is the Project 25 (P25) User Needs Working Group (UNWG)?

What is the UNWG?

Developed by the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC P25 UNWG with support from CISA, the “What is the Project 25 (P25) User Needs Working Group (UNWG)?” video explains how the UNWG works to support P25 LMR emergency communications interoperability and security and how public safety can get involved.

What is Link Layer Authentication (LLA)?

What is Link Layer Authentication (LLA)

Developed by the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC P25 UNWG with support from CISA, the, “What is Link Layer Authentication (LLA)?” provides an overview of LLA and how this land mobile radio encryption works to provide security to our Nation’s P25 LMR emergency communications

What's the Difference: Link Layer Authentication, Link Layer Encryption, & Voice Traffic Encryption?

What is the difference between LLA, LLE, and Voice Traffic Encryption

Developed by the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC P25 UNWG with support from CISA, the, “What is the Difference Between Link Layer Authentication, Link Layer Encryption, and Voice Traffic Encryption?” video discusses the importance of Project 25 land mobile radio encryption and how each works to ensure P25 LMR emergency communications security.

 The Full PTIG P25 Video Library can be accessed uswing the link below.      

 PTIG P25 Video Library