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Reston, VA –

 

Communications-Applied Technology (C-AT), a U.S. manufacturer of rugged, mission-critical communications systems, trusted since 1982 and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), today announced the integration of Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity into its ICRI™ (Incident Commanders’ Radio Interface). The integration links radios and communications platforms through Starlink, providing real-time coordination and long-haul connectivity to secondary endpoints even when traditional networks fail. This integration ensures resilient communications for emergency, defense, and public safety operations.

 

User-Friendly and Field-Proven

 

The ICRI™ is built to match the pace and demands of frontline operators. It requires no port programming, software, or IT support, and powers up in under three minutes to provide immediate interoperability across radios and platforms. By connecting different types of radios, the ICRI™ reduces gear load, minimizes coverage gaps, and keeps personnel connected without relying on multiple devices. Many configurations are tailored for tactical environments with integrated power, and units are field repairable to ensure sustained operations in demanding conditions.

From wildfires and hurricanes to CBRN incidents and infrastructure-compromised environments, the ICRI™ with Starlink provides direct voice backhaul and reliable interoperability. As a trusted Iridium OEM partner now integrating Starlink, C-AT extends interoperability into true long-haul communications, strengthening baseline readiness for agencies that operate in the most challenging environments.

 

Trusted Interoperability Across Platforms

 

As a U.S.-based manufacturer of communications systems, C-AT has built the ICRI™ to deliver true radio- and platform-agnostic interoperability without complexity. The system:

 

  • Bridges HF, VHF, UHF, P25, trunked, MANET, analog, digital, encrypted, and IP-based radios
  • Connects across platforms including Iridium and MSAT G2 satellite phones, LTE push-to-talk, smartphones, VoIP, tablets, and computers
  • Expands into C-AT’s ComForce vehicle intercoms and WIS wireless systems for Hazmat and CBRN environments
  • Is modular and stackable, allowing system integrators to scale capabilities across missions

 

C-AT is a trusted Iridium OEM partner and now integrates Starlink to extend ICRI™ capabilities into true long-haul communications. These partnerships reinforce C-AT’s commitment to mission-ready, vendor-neutral solutions that span across regions, mission sets, and platforms.

 

Portable, Rapid, Reliable

 

The ICRI™ is built for reliable performance in high-risk, infrastructure-compromised, and remote environments. It requires no specialized training to deploy or maintain and is proven in decades of field use. Key features include:

 

  • Deployment in under three minutes with no logins or IT support
  • Flexible power options including AC, vehicle DC, UPS, and external batteries
  • Controls designed for responders to operate easily, even with gloves in the field
  • Low-battery indicators that safeguard mission continuity
  • Compact, rugged construction with a proven record of reliability since 1982

 

Procurement Advantage and Mission Readiness

 

The ICRI™ with Starlink is a procurement-ready solution that aligns with the operational and acquisition priorities of contracting officers, system integrators, and agency buyers.

 

  • Radio and platform-agnostic, vendor neutral, eliminating vendor lock-in
  • One-box interoperability that links radios on scene immediately; each responder or warfighter does not need to carry a personal interoperability device
  • Cost-effective path to resilient communications across mission sets
  • Available on the GSA Schedule, enabling streamlined acquisition for federal, state, and local agencies
  • SDVOSB-certified, supporting mission readiness while meeting federal contracting goals
  • Portable and modular design, reducing the cost and footprint of vehicle-based systems
  • U.S.-manufactured, ensuring supply chain reliability and continuity of operations

 

Extending Operational Reach with Long-Haul Communications

 

By integrating Starlink, the ICRI™ extends communications far beyond the limits of terrestrial networks, linking radios and platforms to secondary endpoints without reliance on fixed infrastructure. This capability is critical in remote terrains such as mountain valleys, disaster zones, or contested environments where digital and cellular systems fail. 

 

  • Key mission applications included
  • Disaster response during wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and public health emergencies
  • Tactical defense and military operations, including National Guard and joint missions
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) in mountainous, wilderness, or maritime environments
  • Continuity of Government and Operations (COG/COOP) during infrastructure outages or attacks
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions at home and abroad
  • Multiagency coordination for public safety across fire, law enforcement, EMS, and emergency management

 

Respond When It Matters

 

“When the National Guard, police and fire department arrive with different radios, communications gaps happen.” said Bill Purcell of C-AT. “In wildfires, floods, or tunnel collapses, responders should not have to carry three radios just to stay in touch. Multiband radios do not equal multiagency response because responders can only talk on one band at a time." The ICRI™ is a radio and platform-agnostic, one-box solution that anyone can operate. It links radios, satellite, and cellular systems on scene and connects to leadership off scene within minutes. It is always ready, requiring no software updates and operating independently of fixed power. With Starlink, that same reliability extends far beyond the incident to keep agencies coordinated wherever communications are limited.

 

“C-AT’s mission is to give responders and agencies dependable communications when everything else fails,” said Perry Sandy, CEO of C-AT. “Integrating Starlink into the ICRI™ extends that reliability from local response to national defense, ensuring readiness, resilience, and the confidence that teams can stay connected wherever the mission leads.”

 

About C-AT

 

Founded in 1982, Communications-Applied Technology (C-AT®) designs and manufactures American-made, mission-critical communications systems. Its ICRI™ interoperability gateways, vehicle intercoms, and wireless systems are trusted worldwide by first responders, emergency managers, and military units. C-AT’s ICRI™ is trusted for interoperability across radios and communication platforms worldwide. C-AT is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), a recognized Iridium OEM partner, and offers products through the GSA Schedule.

For more information, visit www.c-at.com.