LAS VEGAS, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonim today announced plans to add support for public safety LTE Band Class 14 to its upcoming portfolio of next-generation ultra-rugged smart devices. These forthcoming devices have been designed for compatibility with commercial LTE networks, and are targeted to be certified on the AT&T Mobility network once they become available.

With the addition of hardware support for BC14, the devices are intended to provide public safety customers with the benefits of working on carrier commercial LTE networks in the near term plus the capability to work on public safety private LTE networks in the future.

The devices, which have not been formally unveiled yet, will be "BC14 Ready", with firmware certified for use on commercial carriers' networks at launch, and Band Class 14 hardware included, enabling public safety customers to update the software on their devices to enable BC14 functionality on private LTE networks as they become available in the future.  More information on devices will be available in the future when they are closer to launch.

"We believe that our Public Safety collaborators require robust and reliable mobile communications tools while on the job, to properly coordinate and manage complex inter- and intra-agency efforts," says Bob Plaschke, CEO of Sonim Technologies, Inc. "Over the last two years we have delivered mobile solutions to numerous first responder agencies across all 50 states.  We believe supporting FirstNet and Band Class 14 is the next crucial step in delivering reliable mobile solutions to these folks, and we're proud to be working with industry-leading collaborators to deliver the ultra-rugged platform and ecosystem for those communications to support these brave men and women."

Sonim wants these customers to be able to "future proof" their device acquisitions by buying devices that have the capability to operate on both the commercial LTE networks now and private LTE networks in the future.

AT&T Vice President, Public Safety Solutions Jim Bugel expressed support for Sonim's move to incorporate BC14 hardware support into its next-generation devices. "AT&T continues to be a proponent of public-private collaborations  and we are actively working with key device manufacturers such as Sonim to ensure a robust set of device choices for public safety users who want the flexibility to use commercial or BC14 LTE services."

Sonim and AT&T have successfully collaborated over the past few years to provide ultra-rugged 3G devices with AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk to industrial customers in need of a rugged and reliable mobile solution. Sonim's ultra-rugged mobile solutions are recognized as the toughest in the world and provide customers with a reliable communication lifeline no matter how harsh their work environment. Sonim provides peace of mind to its enterprise and Public Safety customers through its industry-leading, 3-Year comprehensive warranty. More information on Sonim's next generation of LTE ultra-rugged devices will be available closer to launch.

ABOUT SONIM TECHNOLOGIES 
Sonim Technologies (www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of ultra-rugged mobile solutions for workers in challenging outdoor and industrial environments. Sonim's industry-leading 3-Year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. Sonim provides a complete solution with a suite of high-performance workforce management applications including Push-to-Talk, lone worker safety and proof-of-activity services as well as enterprise grade, industrial accessories. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California and offers its products globally. 

SOURCE Sonim Technologies, Inc.