Call One at APCO

How the 911 Push-to-Talk Industry is Changing After Poly's Exit

Published August 11, 2026 • By Stephen Mays • 7 min read
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For decades, one name dominated the 911 dispatch headset and push-to-talk (PTT) market: HP Poly, formerly Plantronics.

From local PSAPs to statewide emergency communications centers, Poly's specialized PTT amplifiers, adapters, and dispatch headsets became the industry standard. Many dispatch centers built their communications infrastructure around products like the CA22CD, SHS series, and other mission-critical accessories because they were proven, reliable, and supported by virtually every major console manufacturer.

That era has now changed.

With HP's decision to discontinue Poly's specialized dispatch and aviation communications product lines, agencies across North America have found themselves asking an important question:

What comes next?

Rather than viewing this as simply replacing discontinued hardware, many agencies are realizing this is an opportunity to modernize their communications infrastructure while maintaining the reliability their dispatchers depend on every day.

Why Poly's Exit Matters

Unlike replacing an office headset, replacing a dispatch push-to-talk system is significantly more complex.

Every component in the communications chain must work together flawlessly:

  • Dispatch consoles
  • Radio interfaces
  • Push-to-talk amplifiers
  • Headsets
  • Foot pedals
  • Quick Disconnect connections
  • Recording systems

If any one component isn't compatible, dispatchers can experience poor audio, failed transmissions, or complete communication outages.

In a 911 environment, those aren't inconveniences—they're operational risks.

That's why Poly's departure has created uncertainty throughout the public safety community. Agencies aren't simply looking for another headset—they're looking for a proven ecosystem that delivers the same level of dependability they have trusted for years.

A Market That Suddenly Needed Innovation

One interesting outcome of Poly's exit is that it created room for innovation in a market that had remained relatively unchanged for many years.

Historically, there were very few manufacturers focused exclusively on mission-critical push-to-talk communications. Most headset companies concentrated on office, contact center, or unified communications products rather than specialized emergency communications.

Today, that is beginning to change.

Manufacturers are investing specifically in products designed for:

  • Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
  • Emergency Operations Centers
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Military command centers
  • Security operations
  • Utility dispatch centers

Rather than adapting commercial products, the new generation of equipment is being designed specifically for mission-critical communications.

New Manufacturers Are Stepping Forward

One company receiving significant attention is JPL Telecom, which has invested heavily in developing mission-critical push-to-talk products intended as direct replacements for many discontinued Poly devices. The company has introduced wired and wireless PTT solutions, compatibility guides, and products designed to integrate with leading dispatch consoles.

For customers, increased competition is ultimately a positive development. More innovation means more choices, improved features, and better long-term support.

Compatibility Has Become the Biggest Priority

One of the biggest concerns for agencies is protecting the investment they've already made.

Many organizations have hundreds of existing dispatch headsets that continue to perform well. Replacing every headset simply because a PTT adapter reached end-of-life can dramatically increase project costs.

That's why compatibility has become one of the most important evaluation criteria.

The best transition solutions allow agencies to:

  • Continue using existing compatible headsets
  • Maintain compatibility with dispatch consoles
  • Replace equipment in phases
  • Minimize dispatcher retraining
  • Reduce overall project costs

This phased approach allows agencies to modernize without replacing an entire communications ecosystem overnight.

On the point of compatibility since JPL has been thrust into the forefront of this post Poly world. JPL has recently updated their Dispatch Product Testing Program. Agencies are now required to secure an evaluation unit for testing in their own environment before mass deployment.

The BL-22 Dual-Prong PJ-7 to QD has 2 versions as well as the Scout 300 QD to PJ-7 (2-prong plug) Push-to-Talk Trigger Switch also has 2 variants. Before JPL Telecom will approve purchases of these items they require test units to be sent to ensure your 911 dispatch center gets the correct compatible version.

If you are already approved to purchase these items you can register on our 911 dispatch specific product site Here!

If your agency needs to request a test unit you can access the request form Here!

What Agencies Should Be Doing Now

Even if your current Poly equipment is still operating, now is the time to begin planning.

A proactive transition strategy should include:

  • Identifying discontinued products currently in service
  • Verifying console compatibility with replacement solutions
  • Testing new equipment before large-scale deployment
  • Planning inventory for future replacements
  • Working with experienced partners who understand mission-critical communications

Waiting until equipment fails can limit options and create unnecessary operational pressure.

This Transition Is Bigger Than One Manufacturer

Poly's departure represents more than the end of a product line.

It marks the beginning of a new chapter in mission-critical communications.

The organizations that approach this transition strategically, not reactively will be in the strongest position for years to come.

At Call One, we've been helping public safety organizations evaluate dispatch communications solutions for years. We understand that every environment is different, and there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.

Whether you're planning a future migration or facing an immediate replacement due to discontinued equipment, the right guidance can help ensure your transition is smooth, cost-effective, and focused on what matters most: keeping dispatchers connected when every second counts.

Call One at APCO

How the 911 Push-to-Talk Industry is Changing After Poly's Exit

Published August 11, 2026 • By Stephen Mays • 7 min read
Share this article

For decades, one name dominated the 911 dispatch headset and push-to-talk (PTT) market: HP Poly, formerly Plantronics.

From local PSAPs to statewide emergency communications centers, Poly's specialized PTT amplifiers, adapters, and dispatch headsets became the industry standard. Many dispatch centers built their communications infrastructure around products like the CA22CD, SHS series, and other mission-critical accessories because they were proven, reliable, and supported by virtually every major console manufacturer.

That era has now changed.

With HP's decision to discontinue Poly's specialized dispatch and aviation communications product lines, agencies across North America have found themselves asking an important question:

What comes next?

Rather than viewing this as simply replacing discontinued hardware, many agencies are realizing this is an opportunity to modernize their communications infrastructure while maintaining the reliability their dispatchers depend on every day.

Why Poly's Exit Matters

Unlike replacing an office headset, replacing a dispatch push-to-talk system is significantly more complex.

Every component in the communications chain must work together flawlessly:

  • Dispatch consoles
  • Radio interfaces
  • Push-to-talk amplifiers
  • Headsets
  • Foot pedals
  • Quick Disconnect connections
  • Recording systems

If any one component isn't compatible, dispatchers can experience poor audio, failed transmissions, or complete communication outages.

In a 911 environment, those aren't inconveniences—they're operational risks.

That's why Poly's departure has created uncertainty throughout the public safety community. Agencies aren't simply looking for another headset—they're looking for a proven ecosystem that delivers the same level of dependability they have trusted for years.

A Market That Suddenly Needed Innovation

One interesting outcome of Poly's exit is that it created room for innovation in a market that had remained relatively unchanged for many years.

Historically, there were very few manufacturers focused exclusively on mission-critical push-to-talk communications. Most headset companies concentrated on office, contact center, or unified communications products rather than specialized emergency communications.

Today, that is beginning to change.

Manufacturers are investing specifically in products designed for:

  • Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
  • Emergency Operations Centers
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Military command centers
  • Security operations
  • Utility dispatch centers

Rather than adapting commercial products, the new generation of equipment is being designed specifically for mission-critical communications.

New Manufacturers Are Stepping Forward

One company receiving significant attention is JPL Telecom, which has invested heavily in developing mission-critical push-to-talk products intended as direct replacements for many discontinued Poly devices. The company has introduced wired and wireless PTT solutions, compatibility guides, and products designed to integrate with leading dispatch consoles.

For customers, increased competition is ultimately a positive development. More innovation means more choices, improved features, and better long-term support.

Compatibility Has Become the Biggest Priority

One of the biggest concerns for agencies is protecting the investment they've already made.

Many organizations have hundreds of existing dispatch headsets that continue to perform well. Replacing every headset simply because a PTT adapter reached end-of-life can dramatically increase project costs.

That's why compatibility has become one of the most important evaluation criteria.

The best transition solutions allow agencies to:

  • Continue using existing compatible headsets
  • Maintain compatibility with dispatch consoles
  • Replace equipment in phases
  • Minimize dispatcher retraining
  • Reduce overall project costs

This phased approach allows agencies to modernize without replacing an entire communications ecosystem overnight.

On the point of compatibility since JPL has been thrust into the forefront of this post Poly world. JPL has recently updated their Dispatch Product Testing Program. Agencies are now required to secure an evaluation unit for testing in their own environment before mass deployment.

The BL-22 Dual-Prong PJ-7 to QD has 2 versions as well as the Scout 300 QD to PJ-7 (2-prong plug) Push-to-Talk Trigger Switch also has 2 variants. Before JPL Telecom will approve purchases of these items they require test units to be sent to ensure your 911 dispatch center gets the correct compatible version.

If you are already approved to purchase these items you can register on our 911 dispatch specific product site Here!

If your agency needs to request a test unit you can access the request form Here!

What Agencies Should Be Doing Now

Even if your current Poly equipment is still operating, now is the time to begin planning.

A proactive transition strategy should include:

  • Identifying discontinued products currently in service
  • Verifying console compatibility with replacement solutions
  • Testing new equipment before large-scale deployment
  • Planning inventory for future replacements
  • Working with experienced partners who understand mission-critical communications

Waiting until equipment fails can limit options and create unnecessary operational pressure.

This Transition Is Bigger Than One Manufacturer

Poly's departure represents more than the end of a product line.

It marks the beginning of a new chapter in mission-critical communications.

The organizations that approach this transition strategically, not reactively will be in the strongest position for years to come.

At Call One, we've been helping public safety organizations evaluate dispatch communications solutions for years. We understand that every environment is different, and there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.

Whether you're planning a future migration or facing an immediate replacement due to discontinued equipment, the right guidance can help ensure your transition is smooth, cost-effective, and focused on what matters most: keeping dispatchers connected when every second counts.