Security and Military Operations Increasingly Choose Push-to-Talk over Cellular

A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies has concluded that the world has entered an era of increasing instability. The report states that worldwide, countries are boosting military spending in response to conflicts around the globe and a “deteriorating security environment.”

For security professionals, the military and other organisations operating in challenging environments, reliable, secure communication is essential to increase the effectiveness of critical operations. It enables coordination of personnel and a timely response to emergencies. Any compromise in communication could have devastating consequences.

According to Mobile Tornado, a UK based provider of workforce management solutions, Push-to-talk over cellular (PTToC also known as PTT and PoC) is being increasingly adopted in security and military operations due to its advantages over traditional two-way radios. It enables instant, real-time communication at the push of a button, facilitating quick decision-making and rapid response to evolving situations.

Unlike traditional radio systems that are limited by range, PTToC uses cellular networks, providing extensive worldwide coverage, including in remote and difficult-to-access areas. Now, the growth in satellite communications and private LTE networks is bringing connectivity to the hardest-to-reach locations.

Using PTT, one-to-one, one-to-many individuals and groups of participants can not only instantly talk to each other, they can also share written messages, images, videos and files, at the touch of a button, on a single device, wherever they are in the world. In the event of an emergency, users can press an SOS button to send an instant alert.

Using dispatch consoles, dispatch controllers are able to monitor and control PTToC users in real time from a centralised location. This enables them to coordinate efforts, disseminate crucial information, and make informed decisions, ensuring effective command and control during operations.

Secure communication is essential for military operations. Advanced PTToC systems incorporate robust authentication and authorisation mechanisms, preventing unauthorised access to the communication network. Additionally, PTToC communications can be encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from eavesdropping or interception.

Additionally, PTToC device functionality and user permissions can be easily controlled and configured to ensure absolute security using push-to-talk kiosk mode, also known as mobile device management (MDM). Devices can be configured in single application mode, letting users launch only the PTToC application, or in multi-application mode with whitelisted third-party applications.

PTToC solutions can be fully integrated to a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and dedicated PTToC radios, providing flexibility and ensuring seamless communication between different units and teams, essential in the field. PTToC devices are often smaller and lighter than traditional communication equipment associated with the military and emergency sectors, improving mobility without compromising communication capabilities.

What’s more, PTToC systems can easily scale to accommodate a growing number of users and devices without significant infrastructure changes, making them suitable for large-scale military operations.

PTToC technology has become an invaluable tool in security and military operations due to its enhanced communication capabilities, operational efficiency, security features, scalability, flexibility, and reliability. Polaris Market Research forecasts the global PTT market to hit US$61.28 bn by 2030. As technology advances, its role in these fields is expected to grow, further enhancing the effectiveness and safety of security and military personnel