In the demanding public safety communication landscape, reliable devices are paramount. The diverse options available empower your agency to plan for a unified communication approach.  You can use two-way radios, supplement them with smartphones or opt for hybrid devices.

We understand that public safety agencies have invested heavily in LMR networks. And our goal is to provide innovative group communication solutions, while acknowledging this investment.

That’s why FirstNet offers 2 mission-critical push-to-talk services – FirstNet Push-to-Talk and FirstNet Rapid Response. These services deliver the familiar PTT experience you expect from Land Mobile Radio (LMR), with the added situational awareness benefits of broadband.

A unified communication platform offers maximum efficiency and security. You can implement services that are reliable, flexible and accessible across various devices and platforms, instead of being tied to a single technology. And by unifying LMR and MCPTT, you get the advantages of both.

Some agencies may transition entirely to MCPTT. Others may choose to supplement their LMR with MCPTT capabilities. However, relying solely on LMR – without mission critical PTT – can slow your adoption of new functionality. It can limit your agency’s ability to adapt. And an uncoordinated approach to group communications can result in incomplete or fragmented communications.

Latest innovation: MCPTT LTE-based talk groups on L3Harris XL

Our latest hybrid innovation is the L3Harris XL series two-way radios with integrated MCPTT services. These P25 radios are standards-based, allowing them to operate on virtually any LMR system. With FirstNet Push-to-Talk integrated, the XL series enables nationwide group calls with the manual toggle on the radio — either turning a channel knob or pushing a programmable button. It’s as simple as radio users switching from UHF to VHF today.

This LMR-LTE hybrid innovation allows you to retain your two-way radio benefits – hardened and secure off-network device-to-device ‘talk around,’ full-shift replaceable batteries, loud and clear audio – while talking beyond your LMR boundaries.

LTE-based PTT devices purpose-built for your teams

Other hybrid devices certified on FirstNet are purpose-built LTE devices, more smartphone than two-way radio, but mimic key two-way radio features. The Sonim XP10 and XP5plus are both certified for FirstNet Rapid Response.

Unlike consumer-grade smartphones, Sonim devices are rugged (military-grade), have a dedicated PTT button, chunky channel- select and volume knobs (XP5plus) and larger batteries. They still run on Android OS, allowing you to take advantage of FirstNet Rapid Response’s messaging, location sharing and video features, along with the vast Android app ecosystem.

The Siyata SD7 takes the purpose-built concept even further, functioning solely for PTT communication, like a traditional two-way radio. It boasts a rugged design (military-grade), channel knobs, a loud front-facing speaker, a dedicated PTT button and a field-replaceable battery.

For team members who don’t require a rugged device, MCPTT is available on most popular smartphones — devices they’re likely already familiar with. These users are more adept at using a smartphone than a two-way radio and benefit from carrying a single device.

In situations where timely information is critical, your device becomes a reliable companion. It empowers you to navigate challenging tasks with greater confidence and coordination. By offering a variety of devices, we empower you to take advantage of your existing LMR investment while gaining the benefits of MCPTT. The rewards of a unified strategy outweigh the risks of not changing or changing too rapidly.

Empower your team with the communication tools they need to thrive.