Broadband Push-to-Talk | Shaping the future of mission-critical communications
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The communications landscape is evolving rapidly. Organisations are moving beyond traditional radio networks and transitioning to broadband push-to-talk (PTT) and mission-critical applications. With 4G and 5G rollouts and the rise of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) and mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) platforms such as WAVE, AGNET and Streamwide’s Team on Mission, frontline teams can now use smart devices with the same immediacy and reliability once only associated with radio.
The shift from radios to smartphones
For decades, radio networks have been the backbone of critical communications. But as organisations in public safety, transport and industry face growing demand for data-rich collaboration, these networks are increasingly being complemented, and in some cases replaced by broadband solutions [1].
Applications such as AGNET, WAVE and Streamwide’s Team on Mission allow voice, video, messaging and location services to be shared instantly across teams, breaking down geographical barriers [2 & 3]. This means control rooms, frontline staff and support teams can collaborate with the same immediacy of radio, but with greater flexibility.
The move towards broadband and mission-critical applications is reshaping the way our customers think about communications. Andrew McLachlan, Managing Director of JUMA Communications, said, "Organisations still need the reliability of radio-style accessories, but they also need the flexibility to work across Android devices and PoC applications. That balance will define the next generation of critical communications.”
Accessories that bridge the gapWhile the move to broadband opens new opportunities, it also presents practical challenges. Professionals still need:
- Tactile controls such as push-to-talk (PTT) and emergency buttons;
- Clear audio performance in noisy environments;
- Rugged, durable hardware that withstands the demands of the field.
That’s where accessories play a key role. To make broadband PTT usable in real-world operations, devices such as speaker microphones bring familiar radio-style functionality to Android-based smartphones and tablets.
JUMA’s USB-C approachAt JUMA Communications, we’ve been working closely with clients across railway, industrial, manufacturing and public safety sectors to support this transition. Our USB-C speaker microphone, which launched in Spring 2025, was developed in-house to provide reliable, rugged performance in demanding conditions while working with broadband-enabled devices.
Key features include programmable buttons, an emergency trigger, talk group toggling, and discreet audio options. Lightweight yet robust, with an IP67 rating, it has been designed specifically for environments our clients operate in.
Currently optimised for the Motorola LEX-11 running WAVE, the microphone is being tested across a wide variety of Android devices, with integration underway for further multiple applications.
Preparing for the futureThe shift to broadband PTT is not just a technological change; it’s a cultural one. Frontline staff are increasingly comfortable with smartphones and organisations are demanding interoperable, flexible solutions that allow them to move beyond radio-only networks.
Accessories that deliver the ruggedness of radio alongside the flexibility of broadband will be essential to this transition. At JUMA, we continue to work with partners and end-users to ensure our solutions meet the operational demands of our changing communications landscape.
For more information, visit: jumacommunications.com