MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) announced today that Icom Incorporated (Icom) has joined its partner ecosystem as a licensed Value-Added Manufacturer (VAM) and will be developing the world’s first truly global push-to-talk-only (PTT) radio handheld. Based in Japan, Icom is a world-class manufacturer of two-way handheld radios and will harness their extensive expertise in the making of their first Iridium® handheld. This new device will be ideally suited for remote workers, first responders, global military, NGOs and other organizations in need of real-time communications throughout areas lacking ground infrastructure. Iridium PTT technology allows teams to remain closely coordinated with their headquarters or other field teams around the world, instantly, regardless of geography.
The development of this new PTT handheld comes in response to increased market demand for products that are focused on providing a rugged and high-performing solution that supports Iridium’s PTT capability. Icom was chosen in large part due to their recognized expertise in the land-mobile radio (LMR) industry where they provide dozens of products through a growing portfolio. This is the first satellite-based handheld developed by Icom, and it is designed to integrate seamlessly with Icom’s current selection of accessories. This will allow for the new satellite handheld to be quickly inventoried and integrated with their existing deployed products.
“When searching for the right partner to develop our first PTT-only handheld, we had a number of required criteria. First and foremost is a track record of world-class product success that will support the proven reliability and robustness that Iridium subscribers have come to expect,” said Joel Thompson, vice president, global product and service management, Iridium. “Icom is a premier brand with recognized expertise. They fit the exact mold of everything we could want to develop a world-class product for our customers.”
Icom’s first satellite PTT radio is in development and designed to work on the Iridium network. (PRNewsfoto/Iridium Communications Inc.)
