Florida APCO 2026 just recently concluded at the Luminary Hotel in Fort Myers

A major talking point at Florida APCO 2026 Annual Conference and Expo, which is the annual conference for public safety officials, is the changing landscape in Critical Communications equipment. For decades, HP Poly (formerly Plantronics) was considered the standard for push-to-talk (PTT) adapters and dispatch headsets used in 911 communications centers, air traffic control facilities, and other mission-critical environments. The company's CA-series PTT adapters became a familiar part of dispatch consoles throughout North America.

That landscape changed when HP Poly announced the discontinuation of several specialized dispatch and aviation communication products, including the widely used CA-series push-to-talk adapters. The decision left many emergency communications centers searching for long-term replacement solutions that would maintain compatibility with existing dispatch infrastructure and headset investments.

Among the companies stepping into this market opportunity, JPL Telecom has emerged as a major contender. Founded in the United Kingdom, JPL Telecom has expanded its presence in North America with a growing portfolio of mission-critical communication products specifically designed for emergency services, military operations, air traffic control, and 911 dispatch environments.

One of the company's flagship products is the JPL Scout 3100 wireless DECT push-to-talk adapter. The device was designed specifically for public safety, dispatch, radio communications, and emergency operations centers, while supporting compatibility with platforms such as Motorola Avtec Scout and other leading dispatch console systems. JPL also emphasizes features such as hot-swappable batteries, continuous operation, and secure wireless communications—capabilities that are particularly important in 24/7 dispatch environments.

JPL has also developed wired alternatives through its Scout series of PTT triggers and amplifiers. Several of these products were created to work with existing Poly-compatible quick-disconnect headsets, allowing agencies to transition away from discontinued Poly hardware without replacing every headset in service.

Another major hit at this most recent APCO is a new headset from JPL with the new JPL-Agent 50, which is similar to the Poly H81N a favorite amongst the dispatch and air traffic controllers that was also discontinued by Poly. This new Quick Disconnect single ear headset from JPL is set to come out in quarter four of this year.

JPL is one of the few direct replacement options for discontinued Poly dispatch equipment. Multiple distributors now market the Scout 3100 as a successor to Poly's CA22CD wireless PTT adapter and promote JPL products specifically for PSAP and emergency communications environments.

Community discussions among dispatch professionals also reflect the industry's transition. While agencies continue evaluating alternatives to the issue of legacy Poly products, dispatch agents don't have the luxury of downtime. If those discontinued Poly products fail, then it is already too late to begin addressing the gap left by Poly's departure.

Whether JPL ultimately becomes the dominant supplier in the sector remains to be seen. However, the company has clearly positioned itself as one of the most prominent providers of replacement push-to-talk hardware for 911 dispatch centers, emergency communications agencies, and other mission-critical operations following HP Poly's exit from the specialized dispatch communications market.

If you are in the Dispatch industry and need to get on the list to order the JPL Scout 3100 click HERE!