They must drive efficiency, reduce risk and enable instant decision-making. Whether in utilities, transport, mining, energy, or public safety, robust communication infrastructure has evolved from a support function to a critical business asset essential for operational resilience and workforce safety.

Legacy narrowband systems such as TETRA and DMR have long served mission-critical environments with dependable voice services.

However, their limited ability to offer data, video and telemetry has begun to constrain modern operations. Today’s enterprises require more.

They need infrastructure that supports real-time video feeds, IoT-driven insights, AI-enhanced analytics, and mobile collaboration without sacrificing reliability.

At Sentiv, formerly Atron Nexus, we believe that connectivity is the foundation of modern infrastructure.

To meet the growing demand for reliable, high-performance communication, we are delivering next-generation hybrid critical networks that combine the trusted reliability of narrowband systems with the speed and capacity of 4G and 5G broadband.

This approach is fast becoming the standard for mission-critical communications, and Sentiv is well-positioned to lead its rollout across Africa’s most demanding operational environments.

Bridging narrowband and broadband to build intelligent operations

Hybrid networks enable organisations to continue using their reliable radio systems, such as TETRA or DMR, for voice communication, while also leveraging the benefits of faster mobile networks like 4G and 5G.

This means workers can stay connected at all times – whether they’re using radio or mobile data- with their devices automatically switching between networks depending on where they are or what the job requires.

Sentiv’s hybrid architecture supports a range of advanced services that narrowband systems alone cannot deliver.

For example, field personnel can stream live video, transmit real-time telemetry, access centralised data dashboards and share high-resolution images. At the same time, they remain connected via secure, low-latency voice channels to ensure clarity and command in high-pressure scenarios.

This dual-mode capability is proving its value globally. Organisations such as the Vatican Gendarmerie, private security operators in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong’s MTR Light Rail have implemented hybrid systems to improve operational visibility, enhance safety and reduce incident response times.

Sentiv is using this global innovation for African realities, combining international technology partnerships with a deep understanding of our continent’s infrastructure challenges.

Strategic migration, not disruption

Updating old communication systems is one of the toughest challenges for industries that run on non-stop operations.

The risks of downtime and the cost of full replacement often stall progress. Sentiv offers a smarter path forward. Its enterprise-grade platform enables seamless, strategic migration by supporting both legacy and next-generation networks, integrating voice, data, and analytics into a single, unified layer.

Fully device-agnostic and built for high availability, Sentiv empowers organisations to modernise without operational disruption.

Positioning for sustainable growth

The enterprises that will lead Africa’s next decade of growth are those willing to invest in infrastructure that doesn’t just support operations but also enables transformation.

Hybrid critical networks offer exactly that – an infrastructure foundation that is both resilient and scalable, capable of adapting to emerging technologies without requiring wholesale replacement.

Here are key actions enterprise leaders should consider when unlocking agility through hybrid critical networks:

1. Assess infrastructure readiness across sites
   Sentiv invites forward-looking leaders to engage in a hybrid readiness consultation where we evaluate existing communication systems, coverage gaps and operational demands to identify where hybrid integration can deliver the most value without disrupting core functions.
2. Align technology strategy with business imperatives
   Ensure the adoption of hybrid networks supports broader goals such as improving response times, enabling real-time data access, enhancing worker safety, and reducing downtime.
3. Adopt a phased and scalable deployment model
   Implement hybrid connectivity in stages to minimise risk, control costs and allow teams to adapt gradually, starting with high-priority or high-risk operations and scaling over time.

Hybrid critical networks offer a proven path to achieving this agility by combining reliability with scalability and enabling real-time decision-making at every level of the organisation.

For Africa’s enterprise leaders, the mandate is clear. The future belongs to those who view connectivity not merely as infrastructure, but as a core driver of performance, resilience, and competitive intelligence.

[Featured Image Credit]

Yelin Jiang, CEO at Hytera, said at the summit that the global leader in professional communications technologies and solutions, with 90 offices worldwide serving 120 countries, chose South Africa because of the strides made in the country, as well as Hytera’s significant progress in the South African market, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

This, he said, made South Africa a successful choice, especially for first-time African visitors who came to the Summit to learn about the cutting-edge strides made in the field of communications.

Mark Zheng, managing director for Hytera Southern Africa, echoed those sentiments, referencing key South African case studies that were showcased at the summit.

He says public safety stands poised to receive a significant boost.

“Dedicated professionals throughout South Africa stand poised for immediate response, ensuring safety across diverse landscapes through reliable communication technologies, including mission-critical push-to-talk, video dispatch, and real-time location awareness. These innovations enhance accessibility and impact. In critical moments, swift and reliable communication is paramount, enabling effective action and safety,” he says.

Mark Zheng says Hytera is also investing in a training academy and technical certification in the country.

“Training programmes in South Africa include online learning, bi-weekly webinars, specialised certification training, and customised sessions, along with the inaugural 2025 Technical Competition. E-learning is facilitated on the Hytera partner portal which offers integrated solutions and management capabilities – we have seen a 79.8% pass rate to date with over 100 engineers receiving certificates as expert technicians,” he says.

He says that in addition to public safety, the Summit also looked at the mining sector. Mark Zheng says:

“There are a number of challenges inherent in a mining environment, encompassing above-ground and underground operations, dust-laden environments, signal refraction, and interference. Worker safety remains paramount, alongside the increasing demand for integrated voice, data, and video communications.”

He says that delegates at the Summit were shown that prior to technology selection, it is pertinent to understand the contemporary trends within the mining industry.

“These include the proliferation of IoT sensors, necessitating comprehensive system monitoring and control across expansive sites. Reliable backhaul connectivity for data is crucial. Scalable infrastructure is imperative to accommodate the addition of new systems as mines evolve. Furthermore, there is heightened scrutiny concerning environmental, social, and governance factors, necessitating improved worker safety and reduced emissions. Critical voice communication remains essential for emergency dispatch. The industry’s trajectory toward automation necessitates real-time data and video transmission, supported by a robust network. These factors collectively drive the digital transformation of modern mining operations.

“Case studies we shared, such as the Anglo American Kolomela Mine project, demonstrate the efficacy of Hytera solutions. In this instance, a Hytera TETRA system replaced legacy PMR equipment, resolving signal interference and congestion issues. The new system enhanced uptime and provided seamless integration with the existing infrastructure.”

Mark Zheng explains that each mining environment is unique, and that this is where specialised support needs to land on a solution that’s right for each context. “For example, DMR offers affordability, TETRA ensures safety and mission-critical capabilities, and LTE provides high data capacity. Hytera believes the future encompasses converged solutions.”

Looking ahead

Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, officially introduced the Hytera Secure Efficient Intelligent System (HySEIS) during the summit, marking a key milestone in Hytera’s innovation journey.

He says that the Summit afforded Hytera the opportunity to formally launch new products and services that he believes will provide critical support for key sectors in Africa, including public safety, mining, game farms, utilities and more.

“HySElS is a self-developed smart safety management system that we launched at the Summit. HySElS creates a safe and smart technology ecosystem to support more efficient, more intelligent, and safer communications,” he says.

He explains that HySEIS is designed to establish a tri-layered architecture that connects users, terminals, and backend management.

“By integrating innovative technologies, high-quality products, and a strong sense of social responsibility, HySEIS showcases Hytera’s multidimensional technological competitiveness — delivering a green, secure, efficient, and intelligent experience. Ultimately, HySEIS aims to deliver safer product services, higher operational efficiency, and a smarter, more convenient user experience.”

He says that this follows hot on the heels of the business’s launch at the end of April of version 2.5 of its Commercial AP and BP series, representing an exciting moment for radio technology.

“A primary focus of this update is to enhance the receiver sensitivity and overall interference rejection capabilities of these radios. By incorporating new, cutting-edge technology and a redesigned antenna system, we have successfully increased the communication distance achievable with these devices. Beyond range improvements, this version 2.5 also introduces highly anticipated features.

“Notably, for our S-series commercial radios, we have implemented a channel copy functionality, designed to streamline and simplify the often time-consuming process of radio programming,” he explains.

Stanley Song adds that Hytera is transitioning from primarily transactional models to service-based models.

He says this shift allows customers to procure services and capabilities rather than purchasing equipment outright.

“We are introducing five key service-based models: Software as a Service (SaaS), managed services, terminal rental or leasing, enhanced maintenance contracts, and hybrid models that combine transactional and service-based approaches,” he says.

Another exciting development is Hytera’s Robot Dog, which offers impressive capabilities.

“For extended operations, it features Hytera’s deployable communications, video, and AI capabilities on the quadruped robot platform. It is exciting to note that equipped with powerful facial recognition, the robot dog can autonomously patrol designated areas, identify known suspects, trigger alerts to a central command station, and even enable one-way emergency broadcasts if needed… Powered by AI, this integrated solution can assist public safety agencies in addressing potential risks early on. It enables faster responses and allows for proactive intervention before a problem escalates into a full-blown crisis,” he explains.

All in all, explains Stanley Song, Africa is poised to enjoy a significant boost in mission-critical communications.

“The Summit was a success and we are ecstatic to continue our great friendship with the continent and bring more of our technology to more important players across industries,” he says.

Unified Communications (UC) platforms offer a way to streamline operations, boost collaboration, and enable real-time data flow.

Yet, implementing UC solutions comes with its own set of challenges. From integrating with long-established legacy systems to meeting diverse regulatory requirements, these complexities can derail even the most well-planned projects.

Legacy radio communication systems, especially those in public safety, transportation, and utilities, have served reliably for decades. However, integrating them with modern Unified Communications platforms can often present compatibility issues.

Achieving interoperability across different devices and standards, such as P25, TETRA, DMR, and LTE, is crucial but challenging, particularly when various departments rely on different systems.

Without this interoperability between them, the full potential of UC solutions remains unrealised, leading to delays and disruptions.

Scaling UC in radio communications also requires a nuanced approach. Different user groups, within emergency services to commercial entities, have distinct needs. Emergency services prioritise mission critical real-time communication, while commercial users might focus on data sharing or cloud connectivity.

A thoughtful design that balances these needs and anticipates future growth is essential to ensuring the solution’s effectiveness.

Adapting to modern UC platforms can also face resistance from users accustomed to traditional systems, who may perceive new technologies as unreliable or complex.

Overcoming this resistance requires effective change management and training programmes. Without this support, even the most advanced solutions may struggle with buy-in, reducing their overall impact.

Network connectivity is another critical factor. UC platforms require high bandwidth availability  and  achieving this in remote or rural areas can be a challenge.

Network issues like dropped calls or latency can have severe consequences, particularly in mission-critical situations.

Effective UC solutions must be designed to minimise latency and ensure reliable performance, even in challenging environments.

Lastly, organisations also face daunting decisions around vendor selection. Some UC solutions use proprietary technology, which can simplify integration in the short term, but limit future flexibility, coupled with uncontrolled cost of ownership.

Conversely, using multiple vendors can lead to fragmented systems, requiring careful coordination to ensure smooth operations.

As a leader in Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) communications, Hytera is uniquely positioned to guide organisations through these complexities.

Our deep understanding of technical intricacies and regulatory landscapes enables us to deliver solutions with interoperability at their core, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. We focus on customised scalability, allowing organisations to expand their capabilities without sacrificing performance or disruption.

Hytera prioritises regulatory compliance ,data security and open standard protocols, ensuring that operations remain resilient and compliant across regions. Our training programmes and change management support ,help users migrate smoothly to new technologies.

With a commitment to robust performance, even in stringent environments, Hytera’s vast solutions also enable mission critical operation , in real-time ,wherever it’s needed.

Additionally, our flexible deployment options and open standards help organisations avoid vendor lock-in, ensuring easy adoption to evolving communication needs while remaining connected, agile, and prepared for the demands of an increasingly complex communications landscape.