Nokia has expanded its critical communications portfolio with launch of Nokia Group Communications.

The launch incorporates a number of new features including support for real-time push-to-video for 1,000 active users and 20,000 push-to-talk active users per single server. Software for the licenses are offered on a pay-as-you-grow basis.

“Nokia Group Communications further bolsters our comprehensive public safety offer with capabilities that will help first responders react more effectively in a crisis,” said Henri Tallon, Head of Public Sector at Nokia. “With new applications like push-to-video, fully standards-ready, we can ensure public safety teams are better informed of a situation and therefore enhance safety and security for all concerned.”

The devices will also be compatible with 3G and Wi-Fi networks to ensure high service availability if LTE coverage is not an option. The whole portfolio can also be used alongside the Nokia Compact Network solution, a solution which allows first responders to quickly deploy a private network in emergency situations.

“With the company’s latest addition – the Nokia Group Communications – it is moving this portfolio to another level, adding an end-to-end encryption layer to deliver the high-level security demanded by public safety markets around the world,” said Thomas Lynch, Director for Security and Critical Communications Research at IHS Markit.

“And by being fully aligned with 3GPP standards the portfolio allows a smooth evolution to MC-PTT standards and can operate with any vendor’s LTE network.”

IHS has estimated the market will be worth $18 billion by 2019 with the two largest market segments being command and control solutions and licensed mobile radio (LMR) terminals, which together account for over two-thirds of critical communications revenue.

Currently a substantial proportion of the industry is still using conventional analogue systems though the move to more up-to-date digital technologies is currently underway, which is driving vendor interest in the segment. This is having a profound effect on the industry, benefiting each product segment,” Lynch said. “For example, if a fairly large regional network switches to digital, the terminals, infrastructure and control elements of that network will need to be replaced or reconfigured to support digital.”