Icom and JRC Announce Cooperation on Private LTE/5G for the Public Safety Market

Icom Incorporated and Japan Radio Co.,Ltd, two major Japanese wireless companies are collaborating to expand their international sales of private radio systems utilizing private LTE/5G. targeting public safety: police, fire & EMS departments.

Icom Incorporated and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) announce their collaboration to deliver a cutting-edge Private LTE Radio System. Leveraging Icom's expertise in two-way radio terminals and harnessing JRC's strength in private LTE system infrastructure, this innovative system solution promises to revolutionize private communication networks.

The partnership between these two major Japanese wireless companies marks a significant milestone in the private LTE market. This collaboration, a first* in the industry, underscores the shared commitment to advancing communication solutions for both the public safety and industrial sectors. As these sectors transition to dedicated LTE and 5G networks to establish high-speed and secure systems, the collaboration between Icom and JRC aims to address evolving needs and challenges.

Roles of Each Company

Icom
・Supply private LTE radio terminals (IP503H Lite, IP transceivers)
・International sales activities through Icom's subsidiaries and distributors

JRC
・Supply of private LTE system infrastructure

With the advent of advanced technologies such as AI, VR, and IoT driving digital transformation, the demand for high-speed wireless communications has never been greater. Recognizing this trend, Icom and JRC are combining their respective strengths to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to diverse customer needs. By integrating JRC's base station and network technologies with Icom's wireless equipment and application expertise, the collaboration seeks to deliver total solutions that address various challenges in public safety and industry.

Mr. Katsuhiko Sato, General Manager of the 5G Project Business Operations, at JRC, stated,

Our private LTE portable base stations have received positive feedback from our customers in the safety and security sector worldwide. By combining with Icom’s private LTE radio terminals, we aim to provide enhanced value products and services to meet our customers' needs. It will give us a competitive advantage in the market. We are committed to expanding our business opportunities and exploring new markets, not only in the global private LTE, but also in the local 5G segment.

Mr. Shinya Terasaki, General Manager of the International Sales Department at Icom, expressed

Our collaboration with JRC in the Private Radio sector will further expand our business prospects. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of two-way radio usability and robustness acquired over many years, we have incorporated these elements into the development of this system. While two-way radio may be perceived as a legacy communication tool, the superiority of transceivers, capable of instantaneously contacting multiple users with the push of a button, will undoubtedly be showcased in markets that demand private LTE. Additionally, we also offer 5G-related products, so we are in discussions with JRC regarding future collaboration in this segment.

The Private LTE Radio System solution will be showcased at the booths of both Icom America and JRC during the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE), scheduled to take place from March 25th to 28th, 2024, in Florida, USA. This demonstration offers attendees the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of this groundbreaking system.

As Icom and JRC continue to collaborate and innovate, they remain committed to enhancing their technologies and delivering solutions that empower customers and drive industry progress.

*  Researched by Icom and JRC as of March 2024.