Broadband  |  2025-10-09

JVCKENWOOD Acquires ESChat to Strengthen Broadband Push-to-Talk (PTT) Business Focusing on the North American Public Safety Market

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Integrating the ESChat PTT communications service certified by the U.S. Federal Government (FedRAMP Authorized) into our product and service lineup.

JVCKENWOOD Corporation has announced the full acquisition of ESChat, a California-based pioneer in secure broadband PTT communication services, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion under the VISION 2025 roadmap. This initiative is intended to strengthen the company’s Communications Systems Business within the Safety & Security sector, with a particular focus on public safety agencies, emergency response, and operational-critical industries across North America.

ESChat provides high-reliability broadband PTT services compatible with 4G, 5G, satellite, and Wi-Fi networks, supporting interoperable communications across smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and Windows platforms. With more than 700,000 users globally and established relationships with U.S. federal, state, and local agencies, ESChat has achieved market leadership through secure voice, messaging, and location capabilities. Its recent FedRAMP “Moderate Impact Level” authorisation further reinforces its credibility, making it the only broadband PTT service currently approved for federal government use.

By integrating ESChat's platform with KENWOOD’s established land mobile radio (LMR) systems, JVCKENWOOD aims to deliver a seamless, hybrid communication ecosystem bridging traditional radio and broadband technologies. This acquisition enables the provision of one-stop mission-critical solutions, meeting growing demand for wide-area communication, disaster coordination, and inter-agency collaboration.

Shoichiro Eguchi, President and CEO of JVCKENWOOD Corporation, stated:


“It is our great pleasure to welcome ESChat as a new member of the JVCKENWOOD Group. This share acquisition represents a key initiative to further accelerate our Communications Systems Business. We will strengthen our broadband PTT service focused on the North American public safety market, contributing to the creation of safe and secure communities.”

Josh Lober, President and CEO of ESChat, commented:


“ESChat and JVCKENWOOD have long shared a strong business relationship. Together, we have created effective communication solutions. Joining the JVCKENWOOD family was an easy decision, and together we will continue to raise the bar for mission-critical broadband and hybrid LMR PTT solutions while expanding our customer base domestically and abroad.”