How to Choose the Right Business Mode for Your Mission Critical Services (MCS) Project

With the growing demand for secure and real-time communication in industries like public safety, utilities, and transportation, Mission Critical Services (MCS) plays a vital role in ensuring reliable communication under intense, high-stakes conditions. MCS, based on 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards, provides robust services like Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT), Mission Critical Data (MCData), and Mission Critical Video (MCVideo), which are essential for sectors that require high reliability and security.

Selecting the right business mode for your MCS deployment is a crucial decision. MCS projects typically offer four main business modes: SaaS Mode, Shared Infrastructure Mode, Shared RAN Mode, and Dedicated Mode. Each mode is suited to different industry needs, operational demands, and budget levels. This guide will help you determine the best fit for your organization.

Understanding MCS Project Business Modes

1. SaaS Mode (Software as a Service)

2. Shared Infrastructure Mode

3. Shared RAN (Radio Access Network) Mode

4. Dedicated Mode

Each mode leverages a different configuration of infrastructure, data control, and network management, making them suitable for various operational needs. Here’s a breakdown of why each mode might be the best choice based on your industry requirements.

1. SaaS Mode: Affordable and Scalable for Multiple Users

In SaaS Mode, the mobile network operator (MNO) builds the MCS platform, hosted by the MNO itself or a third-party provider, over its LTE/5G network and sells mission-critical services directly to multiple users. In this mode, organizations do not need to invest in building their own infrastructure but instead rely on the operator’s robust platform and network.

Best for:

Small to Medium Agencies: Affordable and scalable for public safety startups or growing organizations.

Private Security Firms: Ideal for firms needing flexible, cost-effective communication.

Event Management Companies: Seasonal operators benefit from scalability to match demand.

Why Choose SaaS Mode?

Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for upfront infrastructure investment.

Scalable and Flexible: Easily adapts to fluctuating demands.

Fully Managed: Offloads maintenance, security, and operational responsibilities to the operator.

2. Shared Infrastructure Mode: Reliability and Coverage with User-Controlled Platform

In Shared Infrastructure Mode, users build and manage their own MCS platform but rely on the operator’s LTE/5G network for broader coverage. This mode enables the organization to maintain control over its MCS platform while taking advantage of the operator’s extensive network infrastructure for connectivity.

Best for: Mid-Sized Utilities, Transportation Authorities, and Agencies with Specific Platform Requirements

- Utility Providers: Utilities that need a specific MCS platform tailored to their operations can benefit from this mode, allowing them to control their platform while using the operator’s network for extended coverage.

- Public Transport Authorities: Transit agencies that require dedicated communication systems but want to leverage existing network coverage across a city or region can use shared infrastructure to reduce costs while maintaining control over their operations.

- Public Safety Organizations with Unique Requirements: Agencies that have unique data handling or platform needs can use this mode to ensure their platform aligns with specific operational demands.

Why Choose Shared Infrastructure Mode?

- Platform Control: Allows organizations to build a customized MCS platform to suit their operational needs.

- Wider Coverage via Operator Network: Extends coverage without requiring users to build a full network.

- Cost-Efficient: Reduces the expenses of deploying a private network while maintaining a dedicated platform.

3. Shared RAN Mode: Enhanced Data Control with Dedicated Core Network

Shared RAN Mode is similar to shared infrastructure mode in that it uses the operator’s radio access network (RAN) for wide coverage, but here, the user also builds and manages their own core network. This means that while the user shares the physical RAN with the operator, the core network and data remain under the user’s control, offering a higher level of data security and autonomy.

Best for:

Regional Public Safety Agencies: Combine wide RAN coverage with secure core network management.

High-Security Utilities: Retain data control while benefiting from broader network access.

Industrial Operations: Meet compliance and security standards for sensitive data flow.

Why Choose Shared RAN Mode?

Data Control: Retain full control of core network and sensitive data.

Broad Coverage: Utilize operator RAN for wide-reaching connectivity.

Enhanced Security: Ideal for industries with stringent data security requirements.

4. Dedicated Mode: Exclusive Control for High-Security and Small-Area Coverage

The Dedicated Mode is ideal for users who own their own radio frequency spectrum and have coverage requirements that are relatively limited in geographic scope. In this setup, the user builds and controls the entire MCS infrastructure, including both the RAN and core network, providing maximum control, security, and independence from any public network traffic.

Best for:

National Public Safety Organizations: Ensure total network control and independence.

High-Security Industrial Sites: Ideal for mining, oil, or gas operations requiring localized, secure communication.

Why Choose Dedicated Mode?

Full Control: Total autonomy over infrastructure ensures maximum security.

High Reliability: Exclusive access prevents interference from public network traffic.

Tailored for Critical Applications: Perfect for industries where safety and independence are paramount.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mode for Your MCS Project

Your ideal MCS business mode depends on your operational priorities, coverage needs, and budget.

SaaS Mode: Flexible, scalable, and affordable—best for startups and seasonal operators.

Shared Infrastructure Mode: Customized platform control with operator-supported coverage.

Shared RAN Mode: A secure solution for industries needing robust data control and extensive coverage.

Dedicated Mode: The gold standard for high-security environments with localized operations.

Hytera supports all four MCS modes, offering end-to-end solutions that include the MCS Services Server, MCS Client, and User Equipment (UE). With global experience in deploying mission-critical systems, Hytera provides tailored consulting and training services to help you navigate your unique challenges.

Our proven track record spans diverse industries, from public safety to transportation and utilities. Hytera delivers reliable, high-performance MCS solutions designed to meet your operational needs—no matter the environment. Let us help you choose the business mode that drives your success.