Sonim XP8 Band 14/FirstNet-enabled Smartphone and Bittium Tough Mobile to Demo MCOP-compatible MCPTT Apps at IWCE 2019

IWCE Las Vegas, 05 March 2019: The Mission Critical Open Platform (MCOP) project, working to streamline the process of developing, testing and bringing to market standards-compliant Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) applications, has announced successful integration with the Sonim XP8 ultra-rugged smartphone. A Band 14/FirstNet-enabled device built to work in extreme conditions and environments, the XP8 now supports MCOP APIs and will be demonstrated this week on Booth 3270 during the IWCE 2019 exhibition on 6 and 7 March.

Sonim joins MCOP project partner Bittium in enabling easy integration of multi-vendor MCPTT apps into Mission Critical devices by supporting open MCOP APIs. Sonim is a member of the MCOP Supporter Program, in which organizations commit to the principle of using standards and open interfaces.

MCOP ensures smooth deployment of mission critical applications over different MCPTT SDKs, devices and chipsets: all MCOP components are fully compliant with 3GPP standards. In addition, developers, researchers and other practitioners can test, evaluate and validate their MCPTT applications through MCOP testing facilities.

“As well as the considerable technical achievements of MCOP to date, the project has raised awareness of the need for professional MCPTT applications and the importance of open APIs and multi-vendor support,” said Fidel Liberal, MCOP Project Leader. “The key development support from our partner Bittium has catalyzed interest from other device manufacturers, and we are delighted to welcome Sonim to the MCOP ecosystem.”

“Ensuring open standards, and compliant platforms is critical for a successful MCPTT ecosystem.” said Sonim Technologies VP Bob Escalle. “Sonim fully supports the work of the Mission Critical Open Platform project.”

Bittium’s MCOP-compliant Android-based Tough Mobile smartphone is designed and built for demanding mobile security and public safety markets. Bittium Tough Mobile supports professional users such as government agencies, authorities, first responders who need to communicate securely and reliably in critical communication situations. Bittium was the first device manufacturer to demonstrate MCOP compliance at Critical Communications World 2018 in Berlin.

Sonim Technologies is a leading U.S. provider of ultra-rugged mobility solutions designed specifically for task workers physically engaged in their work environments, often in mission-critical roles. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business-process applications, and a suite of industrial-grade accessories which are collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability, and safety on the job site. For more information please visit https://sonimtech.com/

The Mission Critical Open Platform (MCOP) is a collaborative project with the financial assistance award 70NANB17H151 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology through the Public Safety Innovation Acceleration Program (PSIAP).

The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) leads the MCOP project. Project partners are Bittium, Expway and TCCA.

To find out more, please contact info@mcopenplatform.org

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