Ask the Expert with Steve Benn from PTTi (Push to Talk International)

In this months ‘Ask the Expert’ we are talking to POC (push to talk over cellular) service provider, PTTi about their latest software innovations, tackling the confusion around POC and how they are leading the way with their Know More & Do More motto.

Can you tell us about PTTi & the core values of the organisation?
Formed in 2007, Push To Talk International (PTTI) set out to become an innovative & market leading force in the two-way radio market. Tackling head on the key fundamental issues for radio users of limited and inflexible coverage, limited capacity & restricted interoperability.

PTTi delivers Group Voice & Data Communication Solutions with their Radio Partners, empowering organisations & teams in real-time to ‘Know More & Do More’.

By embracing wireless IP infrastructure, content mobility, cloud computing and big data insight; PTTi helps to innovate dynamic new ways for teams to get digitally coordinated, gel together effectively, share information and do their jobs more efficiently.

How is PTTi different from its main competitors in the POC market?
PTTi was the first supplier in the world to offer a Push to Talk over Cellular service solution and have over 12 years’ experience delivering this technology with radio partners such as Radiocoms Systems Ltd. As one of only six suppliers in the world, we are proud that we are the only UK based company that is accredited with the global open standard body OMAPOC (3GPP) to Level 12.

With servers housed in an Equinix Tier 4 Server Facility in Canary Wharf, we have direct links into the UK Backbone, our system offers full resiliency. In addition, with direct connection to Access Point Names (APN’s) into the cellular networks our solution offers a higher ‘Air Interface Priority’ with a Level 7 QoS Client Identifier; guaranteeing service on a congested site.

Not being tied to a single device; we offer ‘best of breed’ hardware to offer tailored solutions to the user requirements of specific clients. We also have a strategic partnership with Hytera, the second largest device manufacturer in the world. Radio partners like Radiocoms Systems can offer their market leading, PNC370 and PD550 POC devices for example.

How do you feel POC technology is changing to positively affect the voice & data communications industry?
Traditionally, radio deployment involves a significant amount of overheads such as system design; Ofcom Licenses; system installation; system maintenance, to name but a few. With POC push to talk devices you have now have an alternative, with none of the above issues; so the ease of deployment, configurations are accessed & made via a cloud-based solution, drastically reducing those overheads and allowing for the delivery of the solution in a more timely and cost-effective fashion.

Another positive effect is the convergence of features into a single device, allowing clients to reduce their hardware requirements, thereby cutting costs. The world is flooded with ‘Smartphone’ devices; consumers understand them and expect to see the features they need in a single device. PoC can turn your android device into a professional digital two-way radio with an international reach and offers an expansive array of real-time, pre-emptive priority calling and integrated emergency call features.

What gap in the UK POC market does PTTi strive to address?
POC opens up a whole new line of verticals that can embrace instant group communications that previously would have avoided radio technology due to infrastructure/maintenance costs.

Can you tell us a little about yourself personally and your background before PTTi?
I served in the Metropolitan Police for almost 32 years; the last eight years of which I was the Force Communications Officer, responsible for managing the radio systems within the force. I worked on the force project board and the National Police User Group that delivered the Airwave TETRA network nationally.

I retired from the Police Service in November 2006 and since that time I have worked in the radio communications industry for Sepura; Motorola; Abiom Communications; Radiocoms and Push to Talk International, whom I joined in April 2018.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Demonstrating to traditional Smartphone users that POC is a technology that should be embraced. You can unify so many processes and save money by utilising this innovative technology.

And the most rewarding?
When a client can see the benefits POC can deliver to their organisation!

Developing strong relationships with our suppliers is of paramount importance to Radiocoms Systems Ltd
As the UK’s leading voice and data radio communications partner, we pride ourselves on keeping our finger on the pulse in regards to the latest products, solutions and innovations. This allows Radiocoms Systems to deliver to you, our clients tailor-made, innovative communication solutions that provide a clear, measurable return on investment.