Demonstrated at: Comms Connect 2024

Sepura is best known as a leading supplier of TETRA mobile and hand-held portable devices. But the company's recent progress on the 3GPP Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MC-PTT) front has made it the top-of-class option for early movers to MC-PTT services. Building on the success of its mobile SCU3 platform, Sepura launched the sector's most compelling hand-held portable with the SCL3 Broadband Hand-Portable Radio at Critical Communications World 2024.

At Comms Connect 2024 in Melbourne, Australia, Sepura demonstrated the highlights of this new hybrid LTE and TETRA terminal. The SCL3 chassis is an LTE Android device with physical knobs and switches that match those found on traditional TETRA portable units. A remote speaker microphone connection provides sturdy attachment to stock Sepura TETRA audio accessories. This compatibility means existing Sepura customers can transition to the hybrid terminal without purchasing new accessories.

Two notable characteristics of the device are its hardenend design that is comparable to traditional hand-held public safety terminals. The result is much more than a ruggedized smartphone thanks to the hefty form factor, physical controls, emergency button, and secure screwed accessory attachment. Secondly, the battery hot-swap enables on-the-fly replacement of power without forcing the end user to endure the Android power-up.

Finally, the tough Gorilla Glass screen provides ample real estate for Android applications. As agencies in TETRA-centric markets deploy situational awareness applications such as Team Awareness Kit (TAK), the Sepura SCL3 will provide a solid geospatial application platform for users in the field.

As we come to the end of 2024, these factors position the Sepura portfolio as the leading hybrid TETRA and 3GPP MCX offer on the market. A minor gap in the offer is the lack of conformance test certification showing full compliance with the 3GPP MCX standard. However, the activation of the Global Certification Forum (GCF) conformance test process has also lagged, with the first tests starting in June 2024. Hopefully, Sepura will secure certification early in 2025.

Thanks to Sepura's Chris Cant for taking time during a busy Comms Connect week to show off this outstanding addition to the company's portfolio.