Cellular Networks Being Adopted by the Critical Communications Industry

The critical communications industry has relied on narrowband LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks for mission-critical voice and basic data services. Technology and public safety agencies with other users within the critical communications industry are keener to commercial cellular network technologies to support growing demands for mobile broadband services such as video transmission and bandwidth-intensive field applications. LTE based networks have become the leading option for critical communications broadband networks.

In addition, with the recent approval of the MCPTT (Mission Critical Push to Talk) voice standard as part of 3GPP Release 13, LTE has also become an attractive substitute for providing LMR-like voice services. A research published by ReportsnReports the market for critical communications LTE networks is already worth $600 million in annual infrastructure spending.

The research indicates that the market is driven by large-scale rollouts in the public safety, energy and other sectors, and is expected to surpass $2 Billion by the end of 2020. Siyata Mobile, Inc. (OTC: SYATF), AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), Sprint Corp. (NYSE: S), Nokia Corporation (NYSE: NOK)

Recently the Department of Commerce and First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced the selection of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) to build the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America's first responders. This record-breaking public-private partnership is a significant investment in the communications infrastructure that public safety desperately needs for day-to-day operations, disaster response and recovery, and securing of large events. It will also make 20 MHz of prime broadband spectrum available for private-sector development. FirstNet will provide 20 MHz of high-value, telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6.5 billion over the next five years to support the Network buildout.

AT&T will spend about $40 billion over the life of the contract to build, deploy, operate and maintain the network, with a focus on ensuring robust coverage for public safety. Additionally, AT&T will connect FirstNet users to the company's telecommunications network assets, valued at more than $180 billion.

Siyata Mobile, Inc. (OTCQB: SYATF) also listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol SIM. The company earlier today announced that, "It has signed a vendor agreement and receives a purchase order from a leading global two-way radio vendor.

Siyata will provide the vendor with both rugged devices as well as commercial vehicle devices with Push-to-Talk Over Cellular ('PoC') capabilities. These devices will be sold to the vendor's enterprise and government customers."

Marc Seelenfreund, CEO of Siyata Mobile, commented, "This is a very large-scale opportunity for Siyata which demonstrates our innovative approach in the PoC market. Major two-way radio vendors are now aggressively moving into the PoC arena to assure that they participate in this emerging market. We are confident that Siyata will be an important player in this space as we are the only company with a commercial in-vehicle cellular based technology platform and appropriate devices for the millions of trucks that need this capability."

Push-to-Talk Over Cellular allows users to replicate two-way radio features with a simple push of a button. The PoC application presents an opportunity for users to access communication features that two-way radio provides like dispatch, instant chat, data applications and more, directly from their cellular based devices and over nationwide networks.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) provides communications and entertainment services over mobile broadband and the nation's premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. The company's Push-To-Talk Plus (PTT+) can help people work more efficiently and collaborate easier. According to the Verizon's website, the new enhancements in PTT+ include available on connected and Wi-Fi tablets, combining with other apps to increase productivity, near instant communications to multiple team members, monitoring and recording discussions, Geo-locate PTT+ users on a live map, and using 4G LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi networks to talk directly with Land Mobile Radio (LMR) radios.

Sprint Corp. (NYSE: S) earlier in 2016 the communications company announced the launch of Kyocera's latest rugged Android™ smartphone-the DuraForce PRO-at Sprint retail stores nationwide. Enabling seamless one-to-one or one-to-many communications, DuraForce PRO also includes a dedicated side button for Sprint's Direct Connect Push-To-Talk (PTT) services, which can also be programmed by non-PTT users for one-touch access to a favorite feature or application. The DuraForce PRO is the latest in Kyocera's leading portfolio of military-grade rugged, waterproof devices. Complementing the phone's 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, the phone's new 135-degree Super Wide View Action Camera offers functionality once reserved for dedicated action-camera devices, including Underwater Mode, and can be integrated with popular action-camera mounting systems.

Nokia Corporation (NYSE: NOK) is expanding its range of LTE-based public safety solutions with the launch of the Nokia Group Communications portfolio, which will enable first responder teams to securely communicate through new applications such as instant video connectivity alongside traditional push-to-talk features on a single device, to enhance operations and safety. Compatibility with 3G and Wi-Fi® networks ensures high service availability even if there is no LTE network coverage. Nokia Group Communications can be used with the Nokia Compact Network, the rapidly deployable solution which allows first responders to quickly deploy a private network in emergency situations.