Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Solution (Devices (Rugged, Standard, and Others), Software (Cloud and On-Premise), and Services (Network Services, Integration and Deployment Services, Maintenance and Support Services)), By Enterprise Size (Small, Medium, and Large), By End-user (Public Safety and Security, Construction, Energy and Utility, Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Travel and Hospitality, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) market size was valued at USD 5.46 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 6.09 billion in 2023 to USD 14.92 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period.

Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) offers group communication services by utilizing 4G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies to create a nationwide wireless network that leverages the cellular infrastructure of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). PoC offers the best of narrowband digital radio and wideband 4G/LTE networks. A Push-to-Talk over Cellular radio supports advanced features of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), such as messaging, instant group calling, GPS location tracking, and emergency notifications.

This capability, combined with Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE cellular networks, provides the nationwide coverage area and bandwidth needed for modern data and video applications. PoC is also known as Radio over IP (RoIP). Similar to VoIP (Voice over IP), RoIP devices are portable wireless devices that access cloud-based Push-to-Talk over Cellular services for making voice and video calls over the Internet. A data plan SIM card (similar to that used in mobile phones) is installed in the PoC device, allowing it to access the internet over 4G/LTE cellular infrastructure offered by mobile network operators, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The growing adoption of PoC technology for public safety and security is expected to drive the growth of the global market size from 2023 to 2030.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Propelled Market Growth Owing to Increased Demand for Public Safety Communications

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solutions quickly enabled voice communications in temporary environments, such as drive-through testing centers and temporary hospitals. Various end-user industries, from hospitals and medical centers, to restaurants and grocery stores, to factories and logistics companies that produce and distribute essential goods, relied on communications technology more than ever.

For instance, in 2019, a fundamental part of the Push-to-Talk over Cellular solution contract was awarded to Tait Communication for upgrading TfL’s communication system to a DMR Tier 3 network. This will enable the TfL staff, road inspectors, and workshop technicians at the iBus control center to speak directly to the drivers of TfL's 9,100 buses via a smartphone. TfL used PoC integration in its daily operations during the COVID-19 crisis, when it needed to add more buses to its transport fleet to provide the capacity needed to maintain social distancing.

Moreover, in 2020, Tait provided free access to its push-to-talk over cellular solutions, called as Tait TeamPTT, to many organizations around the world. Organizations, such as Transport for London and St. John's Ambulance used Tait TeamPTT for secure push-to-talk communications. The ability to connect both wireless and mobile phone users with push-to-talk communications without the need for additional hardware helped the team get through some tough situations.

Additionally, in March 2020, Zello, a push-to-talk voice messaging service provider that enables collaboration between employees and communities, made its enterprise solution available for free to emergency responders around the world. Zello also mobilized staff to quickly respond to increased demand for its programs. In fact, the company had received several applications per hour, which was an all-time high.

Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Market Trends

5G Integration and Cross-Platform Compatibility Systems Are Prominent Market Trends

The ongoing deployment of 5G networks is a key trend, providing faster data speeds and lower latency, thereby improving communication and connectivity for Push-to-Talk over Cellular services. The integration of 5G technology allows for enhanced real-time communication, supporting mission-critical applications and expanding the use cases of PTT services. For instance, in April 2023, Meep announced the integration of its Synch communications solution with Microsoft Azure Private 5G Core to deliver innovative Push-to-Talk over Cellular solutions and collaboration tools to frontline workers for mission critical operations.

This partnership will provide industrial customers with enhanced communication capabilities, enabling them to achieve new levels of productivity, efficiency, and safety across their operations. Synch app, a flagship product of the secure unified communications suite, is typically installed on standard smartphones and iPhones, as well as rugged Android devices designed such as two-way radios. Additionally, Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) deployable solutions, such as flying Cell on Wings (COWs), communication vehicles, Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs), integration of AI & Internet of Things (IoT), partnerships, collaborations, product innovations, and government initiatives are key trends in this market.

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Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Market Growth Factors

Rising Adoption of PoC Solutions in Public Safety Communications Sector Will Catalyze Market Growth

Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) is emerging as the preferred option for public safety applications. This preference is due to PTT technology's reliable and effective communication capabilities, which are important during crises. Public safety and security organizations rely on PTT to maintain seamless coordination and ensure rapid response in emergency situations. One of the main factors driving the demand for digital PTT is the significant improvement in voice quality.

Moreover, by using advanced digital audio processing technologies, digital PTT systems can deliver crystal clear voice communications even in difficult environments with heavy background noise and interference. This improved speech intelligibility allows users to communicate effectively and understand information accurately, thereby enabling more efficient decision-making and collaboration.

For instance, FirstNet Push-to-Talk (PTT) is the first national, mission-critical, standards-based push-to-talk solution launched in the U.S. FirstNet PTT, built by AT&T, is a national high-speed wireless broadband network solely for use by first responders, including law enforcement officials, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel using specialized, ultra-rugged devices, such as smartphones, feature phones, and two-way radios.

Increasing Demand for Instant Communication to Boost Market Growth

The growing need for instant and efficient communication in various industries, such as public safety, logistics, and manufacturing is a significant driver of the PTT over Cellular (PoC) market growth. Industries with time-sensitive operations benefit from the immediacy and simplicity of PTT technology as it enables quick decision-making and coordination. For instance, in June 2021, Samsung reached an agreement with retail giant Walmart to sell 740,000 Galaxy XCover Pro devices for use by Walmart employees.

It will replace two devices that Walmart employees have to carry with them on the job: a walkie-talkie and a barcode scanner. The former is replaced by a simple push-to-talk function which can be accessed via a programmable button on the phone. Walmart Global Tech, an in-house software development team, worked to develop an app to help simplify daily tasks for employees and support customers. The app’s features include mobile stamping and schedule confirmation. Walmart then turned to Samsung for hardware and chose XCover Pro.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Integration Cost and Security & Privacy Concerns to Hamper Market Growth

The use of PoC services over cellular networks may raise concerns regarding the security and privacy of sensitive information. The rising emphasis on data security and privacy, fueled by an increasing number of cyber threats and regulatory requirements, poses another significant challenge to the growth of the Push to Talk over Cellular (PTToC) market. Industries with strict regulatory requirements may be hesitant to adopt PoC solutions without robust security measures.

Moreover, the seamless integration of PoC technology into existing communication systems is a pivotal reason behind its successful deployment. However, the associated costs of this integration have become a significant concern for organizations looking to implement PoC solutions. Furthermore, the lack of standardization in these solutions may result in compatibility issues between different systems and devices. Interoperability challenges may hinder the market growth.

Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Market Segmentation Analysis

By Solution Analysis

Rising Demand for Compact and Cost-Effective Solutions to Drive Use of PoC Devices

By solution, the market is segmented into devices, software, and services. The devices segment is dominating the market and is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the rising demand for compact and cost-effective solutions. Devices refer to physical communication tools used to facilitate the Push-to-Talk functionality. These devices can include handheld radios, smartphones, specialized PoC-enabled devices, and other communication tools designed to support instant and efficient communication.

The software segment is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to increasing demand for rapid group communication systems. PTToC software encompasses the applications and programs that enable the Push-to-Talk functionality. This includes the development and implementation of PoC software solutions that run on various devices, ensuring seamless communication.

By Devices Analysis

Standard Devices to Gain Notable Traction Owing to Growing Demand for Innovative and Compact Equipment

By devices, the market is segmented into rugged, standard, and others. The devices segment dominated the market and is estimated to be the fastest growing segment due to increasing demand for innovative and compact PoC equipment. Standard devices are communication tools that include smartphones, tablets, or conventional two-way radios, and are designed for general-purpose use. They may not necessarily have the rugged features of specialized devices.

The rugged devices segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for effective communication from mission critical applications. Rugged devices are communication tools designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These devices are built to be durable, resistant to water, dust, and physical impacts, making them suitable for use in challenging industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and public safety.

By Software Analysis

On-Premises Software Finds Robust Use Due to Growing Regulatory, Compliance, and Security Requirements

By software, the market is bifurcated into cloud and on-premises. The on-premises segment is dominating the market and estimated to grow significantly during the forecast timeframe due to rising regulatory, compliance, and security requirements. On-premises software is installed and runs directly on the user's local infrastructure. Organizations opting for this software can maintain control over their data and infrastructure but are responsible for managing updates and maintenance internally.

The cloud segment is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to its ability to offer cost-effective solutions. Cloud-based software solutions refer to applications and platforms that are hosted and accessed over the internet. Cloud-based PoC software provides scalability, accessibility, and the ability to easily update and upgrade features without the need for on-premises installations.

By Services Analysis

Network Services to Witness Widespread Adoption Owing to Increased Flexibility and Reliability

By services, the market is divided into network service, integration & deployment services, and maintenance & support services. The network services segment has held a dominating Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) market share and is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast timeline as they offer increased flexibility and greater reliability to organizations. Network services include the provision, management, and optimization of the underlying communication infrastructure that supports the Push-to-Talk functionality. It involves services related to data transmission, network security, and ensures reliable and efficient communication channels.

The integration & deployment services segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment due to increasing demand for interoperability solutions. Integration and deployment services encompass the processes involved in incorporating PoC solutions into an organization's existing communication ecosystem. This includes customization, integration with other software systems, and deployment of PoC tools across devices and networks.

By Enterprise Size Analysis

Growing Workforce and Complex Communication Requirements Boosts Product Use in Large Enterprises

By enterprise size, the market is classified into small, medium, and large. The large enterprise segment dominates the market share and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period driven by the growing volume of workforce and complex communication requirements. PoC solutions for large enterprises typically focus on scalability, advanced features, and seamless integration with existing communication infrastructures to support extensive and varied operational demands.

The medium-sized enterprise segment is estimated to record the fastest growth rate due to increasing demand for long-range real-time communication across the industry. Medium-sized enterprises fall between small and large enterprises in terms of workforce and operational scale. PoC solutions for medium-sized enterprises may need to balance scalability and advanced features while remaining cost-effective and adaptable to the organization's size.

By End-user Analysis

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Public Safety and Security to Become Major Product End-users Owing to Rising Prevalence of Disasters

By end-user, the market is segregated into public safety & security, construction, energy & utility, transportation & logistics, manufacturing, travel & hospitality, and others. The public safety & security segment is the dominating one and estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to rising prevalence of disasters and increasing demand for humanitarian aid services. Public safety and security service providers are using PTToC tools to cater to the unique communication needs of law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and security personnel.

The travel & hospitality segment is expected to be the fastest growing due to the rising disposable income of the global population. The use of PoC technology in this sector enhances communication among staff, security personnel, and management, contributing to the smooth and secure operation of hospitality services.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

North America dominated the global market in 2022 and was valued at USD 1.78 billion. This growth is attributed to the presence of major service providers in the region. For instance, for the fiscal year 2022, FirstNet had 3.7 million connections, which was an increase of 30% as compared to 2021 and more than 4,000 new institutions, resulting in approximately 22,000 connections in the U.S. Out of these connections, most of the users of FirstNet are from North America. FirstNet's purpose is to build, operate, and maintain an interoperable public safety broadband network. The network is intended only for first responders and those supporting their critical efforts.

Europe captured the second-largest market share in the base year. The market’s growth is due to the rising demand for low-cost, less-infrastructure communication. For instance, in November 2023, Radiocoms Systems was awarded a contract to provide Push-to-Talk over Cellular technology to the U.K. Border Force. The technology is based on Entel's AES-256 encryption E-PoC P1 system and a DN495 device. The new system is expected to lower operational costs and improve performance by enabling secure connectivity, allowing teams to work more efficiently and securely.

Asia Pacific held a significant market share in the base year and is expected to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. The strong growth of the regional market is due to the increasing demand for emergency communication systems in various end-user industries. In November 2023, Japan's Narita International Airport leveraged Motorola Solutions' WAVE PTX broadband push-to-talk communications service to expand the reach and capacity of its mission-critical TETRA communications network. WAVE PTX supports instant and interoperable communication across a variety of land mobile radios (LMR), cellular networks, LTE, and devices, including smartphones, radios, and computers.

Latin America is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the rising adoption of critical communication solutions in Mexico, Brazil, and other Latin American countries. For instance, in Chile, WOM (formerly Nextel Chile) was awarded a USD 350 million contract to implement a broadband platform that provides solutions for public safety agencies. In Mexico, the world's first wholesale LTE network, Red Compartida (shared network), was expected to cover 90% of the population by 2022. Airbus seized the opportunity for MVNO in Red Compartida using the Tactilon Agnet solution, which provides Push-to-Talk (PTT) broadband applications over LTE.

The Middle East & Africa is also anticipated to witness major growth due to increasing partnerships between the operators to foster PoC services in that region. For instance, in November 2021, Saudi Arabia's leading telecommunications operator specializing in STC selected Motorola Solutions to deliver its next-generation Push-to-Talk (PTT) application. The new application, known as New Forum, provides STC customers with instant communication and collaboration capabilities to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

List of Key Companies in the Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Market

Technological Advancements, Product Innovations, and Expansion into Emerging Markets Are Key Strategies of Leading Players

The global Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) market is consolidated with key players, such as AT&T Inc., Motorola Solutions Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., T-Mobile, Bell Canada, and others. Major players are focusing on technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging markets to increase their market share. For instance, in July 2022, Siyata Mobile Inc., a global provider of Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) devices and cellular signal booster systems, announced an agreement with Spanish company WIRELESS ZETA TELECOMUNICACIONES, S.L. (Azetti) to offer its rugged Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) device SD7 through Azetti's existing enterprise sales channels. Azetti is a leading PoC provider in Europe and Latin America, and is rapidly expanding its operations around the world, including in Asia, Africa, and Australia.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• AT&T Inc. (U.S.)


• Motorola Solutions Inc. (U.S.)


• Verizon Communications Inc. (U.S.)


• T-Mobile (Germany)


• Siyata Mobile Inc. (Canada)


• Bell Canada (Canada)


• Telus Corporation (Canada)


• RugGear GmbH (Germany)


• Mobile Tornado plc. (Japan)


• Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)


• Kyocera Corporation (Japan)


• San Luis Aviation, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2023: Siyata Mobile Inc., a global provider of Push-to-Talk over Cellular devices and cellular signal booster systems, announced that it had received an order worth USD 900,000 for its automotive UV350 device and PTT rugged handsets to supply them to the existing international defense and EMS customers. Delivery of orders is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.


• November 2023: Mobile Tornado plc entered a new market in Germany through an exclusive reseller and distribution agreement with Blickle & Scherer, the country’s leading provider of safety-critical communications technology. This partnership created significant growth opportunities for Mobile Tornado in Europe's largest economy, providing public and private organizations with access to the company's innovative Push to Talk Over Cellular and workforce management solutions.


• February 2023: Mobile Tornado plc announced the launch of the world's first Push to Talk over Cellular (PTToC) platform with an integrated workforce management technology. Integration of PoC and workforce management technology into the platform will allow organizations to use a single application to remotely communicate with and manage employees using an Android or iOS smartphone, or a rugged handset. MT Labs' internal workforce management technology enables the digital transformation of multiple manual tasks and assignments, generating advanced business intelligence to streamline operations and improve resource allocation.


• May 2022: Microsoft announced that it was adding Crosscall devices to its frontline device ecosystem. The Teams Walkie Talkie app works seamlessly on a variety of rugged Crosscall smartphones and tablets with a dedicated Push-to-Talk (PTT) button: Core-X4, Core-M5, Action-X5, Core-X5, and Core T5. Walkie Talkie is Teams' digital Push-to-Talk solution that enables clear, instant, and secure voice communication via the cloud. With Teams Walkie Talkie, frontline workers can securely communicate with a familiar PTT solution without having to carry around bulky two-way radios, and the Walkie Talkie works anywhere with the help of Wi-Fi or a mobile phone's internet connection.


• February 2021: Hyperion Partners, in collaboration with Siyata Mobile Inc., launched the BlueBird VF550, a rugged Push-to-Talk (PTT) device. BlueBird VF550 claims to be ideal for use in warehousing, shipping, transportation, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and other sectors. The device's ergonomically designed handheld push-to-talk scanner features a powerful removable battery, durability for enterprise-class performance, a versatile display, and a convenient side action button. COMFOSCAN, a dual-action side scan trigger, and a 30-degree tilted barcode scanner work together to reduce work fatigue and allow individuals to work more comfortably.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The report provides a detailed market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, it offers insights into the market share, trends, regional analysis, porter’s five forces analysis, competitive landscape of various companies profiled along with market competition, and key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report focuses on several factors that have contributed to the global market growth in recent years.

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