SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonim Technologies, maker of the world's toughest mobile phones for public safety applications and use in extreme environments, said today that firefighters from the Phoenix Fire Department will use the company's ultra-rugged XP7 LTE Android smartphones for emergency preparedness in their deployment around Sunday's Big Game in downtown Phoenix.

Sonim said it is supplying XP7 Band Class 14-enabled smartphones to the Phoenix Fire Department for a 70-day operational testing program that begins Sunday, when firefighters will use the Sonim devices as a CAD interoperability solution paired with a custom Android application. With this solution, firefighters will be able to have a more visual perspective of events happening in real-time.

"Specifically, the Phoenix Fire Department wants to assess the durability of commercial-grade Sonim XP7 devices in use with the station alerting system compared with consumer-grade smartphones and for the XP7's flexibility to extend the app's use away from the firehouse," said Michael Worrell, Division Chief of the department's technical services division.  "One of the XP7's key strengths is its 4,800-milliamp battery, which delivers extended hours of usage," he said.

"We need smartphones that will stand up to the rigors firefighters face in our duties at the scenes of structure fires, highway mishaps and other extreme events," Worrell said.  "We have found that the smartphones available for consumers just aren't sturdy enough for use by professional firefighters and our volunteers.  I myself have broken a number of those."

Worrell said the Phoenix Fire Department also will trial XP7 smartphones for their ability to interoperate with P25 Radios, emulate their CAD system and function as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for use with PCs and tablet computers and their built-in map capabilities.  Other XP7 attributes include their 40 hours of LTE-based talk time, extreme durability in hot, dusty and wet environments, visibility under direct sunlight and support for a wide range of Android applications.

Sonim mobile phones are built specifically to withstand the rigors faced by men and women in public safety, as well as those who work in industries such as construction, oil and gas, logging, maritime and agriculture, and those serving in the military.

The XP7 meets Sonim's Rugged Performance Standards (RPS), which go far beyond basic MIL-Spec and IP certifications.  Standard features include an extra-loud speaker, noise cancellation, the powerful battery, resistance to submersion in water, an ability to withstand drops onto concrete surfaces and ease of use with dirty or wet work gloves.

The XP7 also comes standard with a Blanview screen that can be viewed in direct sunlight – a critical feature for everyone who works or engages in activities outdoors.  Currently, XP7 smartphones are available commercially for BC14 use in Canada and the United States.

Sonim devices also have a robust suite of industrial-grade accessories, such as remote speaker microphones, car kits and headphones.  

"At Sonim, we're confident that the Phoenix Fire Department's pilot program will demonstrate once again that our devices are the most rugged available anywhere and that, in particular, our XP7 will prove to complement these types of public safety applications perfectly," said Robert Escalle, the company's Senior Director of Public Safety and Defense.

Select Sonim devices, including the XP6 smartphone, are sold nationally through AT&T. 

For detailed specifications and more information, please visit www.sonimtech.com

ABOUT SONIM TECHNOLOGIES:
Sonim Technologies (www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of mission-critical solutions designed specifically for workers in extreme, hazardous and isolated environments. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business process applications and a suite of industrial-grade accessories collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability and safety on the job site.  Sonim's industry-leading, three-year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and offers its products through mobile operators around the world.

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SOURCE Sonim Technologies