RugGear joins TCCA in critical communications push

RugGear has joined TCCA, adding the device maker to the global critical communications industry group.

TCCA is a member-led organisation for the critical communications sector, with participants including end users, operators and suppliers. RugGear makes rugged mobile devices for professional users, including emergency services and first responders.

Its products are designed for sectors such as security, public safety, energy production, aviation and logistics. Founded in 2006, RugGear works with mobile communications suppliers, operators, solution providers and systems integrators, and has a presence in Europe, the US, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

Device focus

For mission-critical communications, RugGear's devices include SOS and push-to-talk buttons, as well as large batteries. They also support zero-touch deployment and are ready for mobile device management systems, which can be used to assign different access levels to users.

Those management tools allow a control centre to disable specific unsecured details rather than shut down an entire function, according to RugGear. The company also says it takes account of 3GPP release specifications and findings from ETSI MCX Plugtests when developing devices.

Its devices have passed IP68 and MIL-STD 810H tests, demonstrating resistance to water, dust, shocks and harsh weather conditions. That profile aligns with parts of the market where workers use communications equipment in physically demanding settings.

"Joining TCCA reflects RugGear's commitment to the future of mission-critical communications," said Maverick, Chief Executive Officer, RugGear. "As broadband technologies become increasingly essential for first responders and public safety professionals, we believe it's vital to actively contribute to the development of open, standardised solutions. By collaborating with TCCA members across the global critical communications ecosystem, we aim to ensure our rugged devices continue to meet the evolving needs of those who rely on them most-delivering reliability, security and performance when every second counts."

Industry group

TCCA works on standards and policy issues in critical communications, including mobile broadband and the TETRA professional mobile radio standard. The organisation also serves as the 3GPP market representation partner for critical communications and supports ETSI work, including FRMCS and MCX Plugtests.

Adding a device manufacturer expands TCCA's list of members involved in the supply chain for professional communications systems. Manufacturers, operators and end users have all become more involved in broadband-based systems as public safety and other professional users move beyond traditional radio networks.

That shift has increased attention on interoperability, open standards and device resilience. RugGear's membership places it in a forum where companies and users discuss those requirements across a range of national and sector settings.

"Business and mission-critical end users work in demanding environments requiring ruggedised device solutions," said Kevin Graham, Chief Executive Officer, TCCA. "RugGear has an established history of providing specialised devices and accessories for such environments, and we are pleased to welcome them to our growing list of manufacturers supporting solutions to meet the needs of our global user community."