Airbus DS Communications and Kodiak Join Forces to Link Land Mobile Radios and Push-to-Talk Phones

Airbus DS Communications, an entity of Airbus Defense and Space, and Kodiak, a leading provider of broadband push-to-talk solutions, today announced they will create an open standards interface that links mission critical radio networks with carrier-integrated push-to-talk systems. This solution will make it possible for land mobile radio (LMR) users to communicate directly with push-to-talk users over 4G/LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi networks, and vice versa.

The companies are coupling the Kodiak Broadband PTT (push-to-talk) solution and Airbus DS Communications' VESTA™ Radio solution to give users seamless, convenient push-to-talk communications.

Visitors to Airbus DS Communications' booth (#1333) at APCO 2015 will learn how implementing this solution enables faster, more efficient call setup for both group and individual communication between Broadband PTT users and those on the VESTA Radio P25 solution.

"Our offering will provide customers even greater flexibility and choice with VESTA Radio," said Bob Freinberg, CEO of Airbus DS Communications. "Linking mission critical LMR networks with non-mission critical carrier devices effectively extends the range of the LMR network to anywhere with a cellular signal."

The new VESTA Radio offering with Kodiak provides cities and counties a cost effective avenue to link mission-support agencies such as public works, departments of transportation and parks departments. Agencies like these can now be seamlessly connected through carrier networks and have the flexibility to employ non-mission critical handheld devices at competitive price points.

Airbus DS Communications' VESTA Radio solution is P25 standards-compliant and completely open, allowing organizations to choose the exact components -- such as radios, consoles and recorders -- they need from a variety of vendors. The standards-based Kodiak Broadband PTT solution delivers clear, reliable, sub-second push-to-talk communications and LMR interoperability over 4G/LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi networks.

Unlike other interoperability solutions on the market, this new offering will not rely on console patches or gateways that use an over-the-top solution. As a result, call set up is easier and faster than other interoperability systems, connecting users simply.

"Using the open standards interface to link our carrier-integrated Broadband PTT solution and Airbus DS Communications' VESTA Radio solution continues our focus on new ways to enhance and extend LMR communications, making it possible for users on both to seamlessly communicate with each other," said Bruce Lawler, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Kodiak. "We look forward to continuing our work with Airbus DS Communications to extend interoperable communications options available to those who protect and serve."

"Airbus DS Communications is delighted to work with Kodiak and open a new level of interoperability for both Broadband PTT and P25 LMR users," said Freinberg. "This further exemplifies our commitment to open, standards-compliant solutions. This new capability gives VESTA Radio users far more choices and control while at the same time reducing costs. It enables options for increased productivity ensuring everyone is connected when it matters most."