The landscape of public safety communications is rapidly evolving. While LMR systems remain a core feature of mission critical communications, advances in commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, including applications and accessories, have greatly contributed to improved communications, making first responders smarter, faster and safer.
For years, Sonim Technologies has embraced the notion of leveraging open architectures, open standards and COTS-based solutions to improve the communications experience for first responders.
“In the U.S. market, Sonim’s purpose-driven XP7 is FirstNet ready, which means that, in addition to working on commercial networks, our ultra-rugged smartphone is capable of operating on the Band Class 14 network. This adds yet another layer of redundancy to our mission critical device,” said Sonim CEO Bob Plaschke. “Our use of open standards and open, adaptable architectures help us provide robust, tailor made solutions for public safety professionals. This design flexibility, coupled with access to important apps in the Google Play™ store, allows Sonim’s handsets to deliver critical functionalities – such as land mobile radio augmentation – at a fraction of the cost of today’s LMR radios.”
The concept of unrivaled functionality in any environment is also evident in the release of Sonim’s new ultra-rugged vehicle kit. Rigorously tested to meet MIL-STD-810G and IP-65, the military-grade solution is capable of securing the Sonim handset in any emergency vehicle, while delivering a simple, intuitive, hands-free solution for public safety professionals who need to be provided with up-to-the-minute information while traveling to the scene of an incident.
“What you’re seeing from Sonim is tangible progress toward a complete and comprehensive COTS solution for public safety professionals,” said APCO Past President Dick Mirgon. “When you have a smartphone that can double as a land mobile radio, can operate on commercial or FirstNet spectrum, is equipped with a suite of ruggedized accessories that improve the functionality of the device, and has the ability to run critical apps that place our first responders on the forefront of technological innovation, you have a comprehensive, game-changing solution. Sonim’s ground-up approach to improving the way first responders serve and protect our communities will benefit our community for decades to come.”
“Since launching its first Android device in 2014, Sonim has been working to develop a solution that goes beyond an ultra-rugged smartphone you can throw against the wall,” said Sonim CEO Bob Plaschke. “We are on a mission to create a robust communications ecosystem that can be customized and expanded to fit all the needs of first responders. We are very excited for what lies ahead.”
