Tait Talks: A View Toward 2025

January marks the beginning of a new year, a perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months and anticipate the year ahead. In 2024, the critical communications industry, along with Tait Communications, experienced significant growth. We are proud to have welcomed many new customers throughout the year and are thrilled to continue supporting our loyal Tait users. Looking forward, we are enthusiastic about the potential for continued growth in 2025.

The following are several trends we witnessed last year. 

Converged technology solutions.

In 2024, Tait Communications introduced a range of cutting-edge technologies to our product lineup. Early in the year, Tait announced the acquisition of RFI Technology Solutions, a global frontrunner in crafting and integrating high-performance coverage enhancement solutions for radio and cellular networks. RFI operates three manufacturing facilities in Australia and engages in related sectors of the critical communications industry, broadening Tait’s solutions portfolio.

In North America, Tait LifeX by Frequentis is advancing our LMR infrastructure and radio offerings with dispatch center communications. Tait LifeX by Frequentis boosts situational awareness, optimizes communications with multimedia technology, and supports multiple dispatch centers and locations. We are thrilled to offer our LMR customers an advanced dispatch communications option that complements their needs.

Moreover, Tait Communications joined forces with Handsfree Group to introduce the R5 to our global markets, and exclusively in North America. The Tait R5 is an innovative broadband-based edge computing platform that seamlessly integrates with P25 and DMR radio networks, as well as Tait mobile terminals, via an open standards Android-based single in-vehicle interface. This platform offers connectivity to a broadband hotspot, LMR networks, push-to-talk over cellular (PTToC), 4G/5G cellular networks, and more.

Enhanced customer experience.

To achieve optimal customer results, Tait Communications expanded its involvement in the implementation of New Zealand's nationwide P25 public safety communications network. Tait Systems NZ, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tait Communications, is responsible for delivering this network. The new entity has launched the pilot phase of the network, which includes eight digital radio transmission sites in South Canterbury. This pilot will enable emergency services to test new radios in real-world scenarios, providing valuable insights for the forthcoming rollout of the LMR network across 11 regions to support emergency services nationwide by 2026.

For many of our clients, financing equipment purchases presents a significant challenge. Last year, Tait Communications introduced a new service designed to assist U.S. law enforcement agencies in obtaining grant funding, ensuring they are fully equipped with the necessary resources. This service provides agencies with a carefully tailored resource for public safety and critical communications requirements. Through personalized grant consultations, agencies receive expert feedback on their applications and gain access to knowledgeable guidance throughout the entire process.

The Tait Tough requirement.

The dependability of LMR is crucial as natural disasters become more frequent. Whether facing floods, fires, earthquakes, or other calamities, Tait radios and infrastructure provided steadfast reliability and coverage when all other communication systems failed. During the large Brazilian floods in March 2024, the Military Police of Espírito Santo in Brazil found their Tait radios and equipment submerged in mud. The Tait Tough equipment, including a mobile radio control head, continued to function despite being exposed to such extreme conditions.

In September 2024, when Hurricane Helene struck Ashville and Buncombe County, North Carolina, both residents and first responders faced a loss of internet and communication services. Despite this, the county's 14-site Tait Communications P25 trunked radio system continued to operate, ensuring communication during the disaster and recovery phases, even as other networks like cellular and fiber ceased to function.

As we look forward to 2025, numerous transformations are on the horizon and have already started to unfold. Here are the key areas where we anticipate the most significant changes this year.

The U.S. market.

While no one can predict the future with certainty, there is much speculation following the change in U.S. leadership. The new president has issued several statements and executive orders that may benefit the critical communications sector. Growth is anticipated in the utility and energy industries, and a robust economy could lead to increased budgets for public safety agencies across the nation. The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to reduce federal spending, which might impact communications purchases. However, as a successor to the U.S. Digital Service, established in 2014 to modernize government technology, DOGE could yield positive results for the tech industry. The implications of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese and other imports will become clearer in the coming months. Tait Communications' longstanding manufacturing operations in New Zealand offer a buffer against tariffs from China, Mexico, and other countries.

Continued focus on people and giving back.

The critical communications industry is made up of individuals dedicated to helping others and being the first to respond in emergencies or disasters. Tait Communications' clients often make significant sacrifices. Beyond first responders, utility professionals are responsible for restoring power after storms or disasters, ensuring homes remain lit and climate-controlled. Transportation and other essential industries manage safe evacuations, reliable movement of goods and people, asset tracking, and other vital tasks. Our channel partners also collaborate closely with first responders and professionals in critical infrastructure sectors.

We will continue to talk with and learn from our customers around the world and ensure we are doing whatever we can to make their jobs easier. 

The Tait Foundation remains dedicated to advancing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aiming to nurture the next wave of engineers. Situated in Christchurch, New Zealand, the University of Canterbury (UC) collaborates with Tait Communications, which has its headquarters and manufacturing facility there. Tait engineers, including Client Specific Development Manager Dr. Alan Murray, engage in developing projects and partnerships with the university’s School of Engineering and Wireless Research Centre. Additionally, the foundation extends its support to primary school educators.

New interoperable open-standards products and solutions.

While Tait rolled out the TP9900 multiband portable radio last year, 2025 will see the announcement of the partner TM9900 mobile device to round out the portfolio. With the ability to access P25, DMR and analog channels in multiple frequency bands, the TM9900 significantly improves community safety outcomes with enhanced interoperability between first responders, schools, utilities, and other public sector organizations. With improved coordination between agencies, first responders can respond quickly, contributing to the safety of the community. 

While 2024 was a year of successes, 2025 will be another big year for Tait Communications, with additional significant technology releases and much more. 

The best is yet to come.