Iridium Communications Inc. announced that Icom Incorporated (Icom) has joined its partner ecosystem as a licensed Value-Added Manufacturer (VAM) and will be developing the world's first truly global push-to-talk-only (PTT) radio handheld. Based in Japan, Icom is a world-class manufacturer of two-way handheld radios and will harness their extensive expertise in the making of their first Iridium® handheld. This new device will be ideally suited for remote workers, first responders, global military, NGOs and other organizations in need of real-time communications throughout areas lacking ground infrastructure.

Iridium PTT technology allows teams to remain closely coordinated with their headquarters or other field teams around the world, instantly, regardless of geography. The development of this new PTT handheld comes in response to increased market demand for products that are focused on providing a rugged and high-performing solution that supports Iridium's PTT capability. Icom was chosen in large part due to their recognized expertise in the land-mobile radio (LMR) industry where they provide dozens of products through a growing portfolio.

This is the first satellite-based handheld developed by Icom, and it is designed to integrate seamlessly with Icom's current selection of accessories. This will allow for the new satellite handheld to be quickly inventoried and integrated with their existing deployed products. Both Icom's and Iridium's distribution networks will offer the new handheld, expanding Icom's presence to the satellite industry and bringing Iridium's satellite PTT capabilities to Icom's existing global sales network.

The new handheld is expected to be available in 2019.