Rugged Smartphones for tough jobs – keeping users connected

Tait knows tough. The organizations we serve have some of the toughest jobs in the world. Extreme environments, challenging tasks, and risky situations mean users need reliable communications to keep them in touch with their teams. To do that, they need communications tools that are rugged enough to withstand the harsh conditions they’re exposed to every day.

Along with reliable voice communications, the modern workforce increasingly demands access to data and applications that can keep them better connected, safe, and productive in the field. The solution? The rugged smartphone. Here are four reasons adding rugged smartphones to your critical communications network is a smart choice.

1) Durable, rugged hardware

Robust smartphones like the Sonim XP7 are built with features that make them ideal for surviving harsh environments:

  • Impact resistant
  • Oil and chemical resistant
  • Pressure resistant
  • Puncture resistant
  • Shock/vibration resistant
  • Waterproof

Combined with their long battery life and resilient touch screens that are still easily viewed in direct sunlight, rugged smartphones are able to withstand even the toughest conditions.

Our recent Tait Customer Survey found critical comms users value high durability more than low cost.

Source: 2017 Tait Customer Survey

2) Data and applications

Use of data and applications adds powerful capabilities to smartphones, and a rugged smartphone means even those working in extreme conditions can take advantage without worrying their device will fail. Rugged smartphones provide users with access to a wide range of applications that can do everything from improve their productivity through to enhance their safety.

3) Integrating cellular and radio networks

Push-to-talk over cellular (PTToC) solutions – like Tait’s solution – mean you can use a rugged smartphone for all of its enhanced functional and data capabilities, and still communicate over your reliable, organization-wide radio network. By bridging the gap between radio and cellular users, PTToC allows your workforce to use the device that suits them best, while maintaining the instant communication a radio network provides.

Source: 2017 Tait Customer Survey

4) Simplicity of use

Since many users have a smartphone for their own personal use, they are likely to already be familiar with the interfaces and operating systems of smartphones. This cuts down on training, and allows them to continue to use a device they are comfortable with. Glove-friendly displays mean they can easily use the touchscreen without removing their protective gear, and the PTToC function requires the simple push of a button – and they’re connected.

Smartphones and radio – working together for the future of critical communcations

The world of critical communications is heading towards true unified critical communications – seamlessly connecting multiple bearers and devices across networks to provide enhanced connectivity and data like never before. Thanks to solutions like PTToC, rugged smartphones now fit into this narrative, enabling users to choose devices that best suit them while remaining in constant contact across the radio network.

Since our Tait Tough radios have long been known as the toughest portables in the industry, we’ve partnered with the leaders in rugged smartphones to complement our durable range. The Sonim XP7 works with Tait’s PTToC solution to provide a durable smartphone ideal for integrating into your radio network. On a network that also utilizes the mobile applications platform of Tait UnifiedVehicle, your users can have access to broadband in remote locations as well as custom applications designed to address your specific needs.


Contact us to request more information or pricing on any of our solutions.

Find out more about Unified Critical Communications and the ways Tait solutions can help take your network into the future by downloading our free Guide to Unified Critical Communications.

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