Interview with James Potter

1) Tell us something about your career journey or personal experiences that isn’t included in your official bio.

Having been born an engineer, my focus has always been about solving problems. What I have since learned along my career journey is the importance of building relationships so that those whose problems you want to solve actually trust you so they feel comfortable exposing their problems. This is where the value of IWCE comes in, the time away at a conference is perfect for building those relationships with customers and partners so we all can create the necessary solutions for the greatest problems are industry is facing.

2) What makes Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems a critical component of public safety communications today?

LMR systems are the lifeline for the user to call for help. They must operate in the worst of times.

3) How do you see LMR evolving to coexist with newer technologies like broadband and FirstNet?

The need to follow open, global standards, is critical as the broadband systems are just that…LTE, 5G, and MCX. These are global standards that have been adopted by numerous vendors and users. This ensures interoperability amongst system components whereas manufactures can focus on what they do best. Devices must support multiple communication protocols and paths so that the end user is always connected.

4) What are the key challenges in maintaining and modernizing LMR systems for public safety agencies?

Qualified technical personnel and budgets along with many being locked into their current vendor with forced obsolescence.

5) Can you share an example of how LMR has proven indispensable in a recent emergency or disaster scenario?

A child was abducted in Alabama and because the agencies were either directly using SouthernLinc’s MCX network, or were integrated into it, they were able communicate across agency, jurisdiction, and state lines to find the child and return them to their legal guardians.

6) What steps can public safety agencies take to ensure seamless interoperability between LMR and other communication platforms?

Start with examining the culture of your primary vendor. Do they support open standards? Next is contractual pricing for interoperability components that are based on common market value.

7) What can attendees expect to gain from your session at IWCE 2026?

Attendees will learn how the technologies exist to provide interoperability between various forms of Mission Critical Communication systems.

8) What are you most excited about for IWCE 2026, and how do you think the event will impact the industry?

I am most excited about the solutions my team will be demonstrating on the show floor with our various partners. By leveraging open standards, with best of breed partners, the industry will see what tremendous solutions can be delivered by working better together.