Demonstrated at: #CCW25
The expanding progress towards broad Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) deployment creates a need for devices that combine tactical voice communications with enhanced smartphone functionality, supporting advanced situational awareness application tools. At Critical Communications World 2025, Zebra launched its fit-for-purpose smartphone device, targeting this growing market opportunity.
The Zebra FR55 First Responder Mobile Computer offers a classic ruggedized Android smartphone with an expanded set of configurable hard buttons required for public safety field force users. In addition to the basic Emergency Alert Button found on all public safety PTT devices, the FR55 form factor features a large push-to-talk button for easy access. A rugged boot attachment mechanism can accommodate third-party accessories, most notably remote speaker microphones, which are commonly used in law enforcement patrol operations and other hands-free field applications.
Under the hood, the FR55 comes in three variants to suit different mission needs. One version offers a unique three-SIM capability, featuring two physical SIMs and one eSIM. The additional SIMs boost network resilience options. A second version trades off one physical SIM for an SDCard slot. That trade-off provides an expandable and portable data storage capability that can be useful when recording video. The final variant combines a Secure Access Module (SAM) with one SIM and an eSIM. A SIM provides enhanced security storage for keys and data.
Significantly, the FR55 incorporates full support for the 3GPP Mission Critical Push to X (MCX) services. When combined with client software from companies such as Airbus, the device delivers Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (eMBMS) and MCX QoS Class Identifier (QCI) codepoint support, mechanisms required for high-quality, large-scale MC-PTT operations.
MCX deployments cannot be a reality without fit-for-purpose devices. The Zebra FR55 is a compelling offer for agencies embracing the MCX vision with devices supporting foundational PTT voice communications and computing capabilities required for situational awareness tools.
Thanks to Oliver Ledgard, Zebra's EMEA lead, for his comprehensive review of the new flagship offering.