5G non-terrestrial networks (5G-NTN) satellite networks will soon be able to handle all types of applications and provide service to a massive number of users. In this complex and dynamic network ecosystem, and end-to-end adaptation of 5G-NTN towards the EU-GOVSATCOM services, requirements and use cases is of capital importance to efficiently deploy European governmental satellite services. To enable such a vision, 5G-GOVSATCOM targets the development and evaluation in a natural user environment of different key enabling technologies that aim to provide full integration of 5G-NTN in the EU-GOVSATCOM framework. In the radio technologies domain, 5G-GOVSATCOM targets the development of necessary adaptions and enhancements of radio access procedures to attend to geostationary mobile terminals in the exclusive governmental X-band. Furthermore, the integration of 5G-NTN user equipment with an antenna operationally focused on on-the-move and on-the-pause scenarios are planned. In parallel, in the inter-networking segments, 5G-GOVSATCOM aims to provide a seamless handover between terrestrial networks and NTN via a smart gateway while enhancing core-network functionalities. Finally, all project developments are planned to be first validated in a controlled lab with satellite connectivity and, posteriorly, experimentally tested in close collaboration with final users. These latter tests will constitute the first 5G-NTN trials with final users devoted to i) ubiquitous telemedicine in maritime areas and ii) crisis management connectivity bubble.

First responders and workers - e.g. in mining or power stations - are regularly exposed to hazards like high temperatures, gases, high dust concentrations and biological as well as nuclear hazards. Currently, these people cannot be tracked in areas or buildings where GPS is not available. In case they need help – e.g. if they need to be evacuated – precious time can be lost because their position is not known. This can lead to avoidable injuries or deaths. ROLOSEP will provide an all-embracing solution for improving the safety of these personnel through the use of specific equipment. This one will include robust embedded localization system and will allow real time tracking of the positions of personal operating on site, indoors as well as outdoors. The already existing equipment (PMR systems TETRA / TETRAPOL) for radio transmission will be upgraded to insure an automated communication with the command post and transmit important data such as the position or unconsciousness alarm. Depending on the mission additional information can be useful and transferred like temperature, status of the breathing apparatus and information from a dosimeter. The command post will monitor the movements, status as well as impact of the hazards on the rescue personal. The safety and security of the personal is monitored in real time. Decision-making is eased since operational and personal planning is enhanced significantly. The juridical implications of the project will be taken into account from the beginning of the project ("privacy by design") by the research unit “Dynamics of the law” (UMR 5815, CNRS-Montpellier 1 University), regarding Labour Law, protection of privacy and personal data protection, as well as any possible incidences concerning the utilization of collected data in order to hold penal inquiries.

The idea of Joint communication and sensing (JCS) capabilities is a revolutionary and innovative solution. A single system has the potential to offer significant advances in various fields, such as smart transportation, smart cities, smart homes, healthcare, security, and environmental monitoring. iSEE-6G extends beyond JCS and propose a Joint Communication, Computation, Sensing, and Power transfer (JCCSP) unified radio platform, which includes all support elements of the proposed solutions in future 6G networks. By integrating, exploiting, and supporting 6G key enabling technologies, iSEE-6G offers a) JCCSP-oriented novel intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (RIS) and agile beamforming array solutions; b) JCCSP-optimized physical layer design including waveform design, frame structure design, channel modeling, precoding/beamforming with respect to open radio access network (O-RAN) architectural paradigm; c) JCCSP-enabled cross-layer schemes design under new capabilities in terms of service-oriented network architecture; and d) JCCSP-implemented system-level solutions for providing new functionalities towards a cell-free 6G network. The iSEE-6G Proof-of-Concept (PoC) focuses in JCCSP use cases in aerial corridors, where UAVs with various roles providing different services coexist and coordinate with each other. In IMEC’s testbed static distributed RUs, and vehicular UEs are additionally included for an emergency response incident. The UAVs monitor the area, estimate and report accurate positioning and provide situational awareness through integrated sensing. In ORO’s testbed 5G waveforms based JCCSP exploit the KPI collection capabilities of it. The operation of the testbed will be extended at an outdoor venue, where UAVs and IoT devices will be deployed to test the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) capabilities. Edge computational power is used for Public Protection and Desaster Relief (PPDR) monitoring and JCCSP-as-a-Service implementation.

In future 6G wireless networks, it is imperative to support more dynamic resourcing and connectivity to improve adaptability, performance, and trustworthiness in the presence of emerging human-centric services with heterogeneous computation needs. DEDICAT 6G aims to develop a smart connectivity platform using artificial intelligence and blockchain techniques that will enable 6G networks to combine the existing communication infrastructure with novel distribution of intelligence (data, computation and storage) at the edge to allow not only flexible, but also energy efficient realisation of the envisaged real-time experience. DEDICAT 6G takes the next vital step beyond 5G by addressing techniques for achieving and maintaining an efficient dynamic connectivity and intelligent placement of computation in the mobile network. In addition, the proposal targets the design and development of mechanisms for dynamic coverage extension through the exploitation of novel terminals and mobile client nodes, e.g., smart connected cars, robots and drones. DEDICAT also addresses security, privacy and trust assurance especially for mobile edge services and enablers for novel interaction between humans and digital systems. The aim is to achieve (i) more efficient use of resources; (ii) reduction of latency, response time, and energy consumption; (iii) reduction of operational and capital expenditures; and (iv) reinforcement of security, privacy and trust. DEDICAT 6G will focus on four use cases: Smart warehousing, Enhanced experiences, Public Safety and Smart Highway. The use cases will pilot the developed solutions via simulations and demonstrations in laboratory environments, and larger field evaluations exploiting various assets and testing facilities. The results are expected to show significant improvements in terms of intelligent network load balancing and resource allocation, extended connectivity, enhanced security, privacy and trust and human-machine interactions.

5G is considered to be the next decade mainstream broadband wireless technology and can leverage the efficiency and effectiveness of everyday high demanding operations such as public protection and disaster relief (PPDR). ITU considers LTE-Advanced systems and 5G as a mission critical PPDR technology able to address the needs of mission critical intelligence by supporting mission critical voice, data and video services as an IMT radio interface. 5G-EPICENTRE will deliver an open end-to-end experimentation 5G platform focusing on software solutions that serve the needs of PPDR. The envisioned platform will enable SMEs and developers to acquire knowledge with regard to the latest 5G applications and approaches for first responders and crisis management, as well as to build up and experiment with their solutions. The 5G-EPICENTRE platform will be based on an open Service oriented Architecture, following the current best DevOps practices (containerization of micro-services) and will be able to accommodate and provide open access to 5G networks’ resources, acting this way as a 5G open source repository for PPDR Network Applications. For the assessment of the abovementioned platform, the realization of several use cases is being foreseen which will be realized as a PPDR vertical. The purpose of the use cases is to expand along the entire range of the 3 ITU-defined service types (i.e. eMBB, mMTC and URLLC) as well as to provide the floor for overseeing the platform’s secure interoperability capabilities beyond vendor-specific implementation. The engaged SMEs and organizations that will participate into the realization of the use cases constitute active players in the public security and disaster management, thus acting as key enablers for the assessment of 5G-EPICENTRE with regard to the real needs that should be addressed. Finally, through the use cases realization, KPIs relevant to 5G will be measured, especially those that are pertain to services’ creation time.