KYOCERA Delivers FirstNet Ready™ Rugged Flip Phone for Public Safety

San Diego, CA., April 16, 2021 – Kyocera International Inc., the North American leader in rugged mobile solutions, is pleased to announce that its DuraXE Epic is now certified and approved for use on FirstNet®.

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for public safety. With this much-needed technology upgrade, first responders can connect to the critical information they need every day and in every emergency.

DuraXE Epic, now FirstNet Ready™, supports access to the dedicated FirstNet network core, FirstNet First Priority® – which includes always-on priority and preemption for first responders – and the Band 14 spectrum.

DuraXE Epic is designed ultra-rugged and compact with a customizable menu and multiple programmable keys, including SOS*(for use with AT&T Advanced EPTT), PTT*, speaker and call list, and the four-way navigation key that can be set to frequently used apps and functions. It offers the benefit of Device Control, allowing agencies and businesses to disable unwanted phone applications and restrict access to select features on company-owned phones. The device also features a Car Kit Power On/Off Mode to turn the device on and off with ignition when installed in a vehicle cradle and Battery Care and Eco Modes to optimize battery usage and extend the overall life of the battery.

DuraXE Epic makes an ideal replacement for Remote Speaker Mics (RSMs), using the programmable external buttons to easily communicate - including a PTT button for EPTT, External Speaker and Call List keys on top of the device that can be programmed to channel up and down, and an SOS button to call for help – all without opening the device or removing it from its holster. It also features precision positioning technology from Skyhook, providing precise location accuracy while still preserving the battery life of the device. A five-pole headset jack with camlock securely fastens a variety of productivity accessories, and the long-lasting removable 1770mAh Li-Ion battery powers through the day. And, because it can be immersed in water**, the device can be washed with soap and water and disinfected using alcohol (70%) or disinfectant wipes. The ultra-rugged and customizable features of the DuraXE
Epic provide the flexibility and durability needed by first responders, all on the FirstNet platform and covered by Kyocera’s standard 2-year warranty.

“FirstNet devices and modules go through extensive review, so first responders can be confident that Kyocera’s DuraXE Epic meets our highest standards for reliability, security and performance,” said Brenda Kittila, vice president, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “The more tools public safety has access to on their network, the more we can help them achieve their mission.”

Before being certified and approved for use on FirstNet, devices are subject to hundreds of tests that cover a number of aspects, from security and durability to network impacts. This helps make sure that they can meet the needs of first responders. FirstNet Ready devices are listed on the FirstNet device page. The DuraXE Epic device is:

• Certified military standard 810H (MIL-STD-810H) to withstand drops of up to 5 feet directly onto concrete, water immersion (IPX5/IPX8**), dust (IP6X**), extreme temperatures, salt, fog, solar, shock, hazardous work environments and more.
• HazLoc certified Non-incendive Class I Div 2 for protection in hazardous environments
• Weight/Dimensions: 6.8oz (194g) / 4.36x2.22x1.07”
• 100+dB dual front-facing loud speakers with dual-mic noise cancellation
• 5MP, auto-focus camera with LED flash and video (non-camera version also available).
• Mobile Hotspot (up to 10 connections)***

“We’ve integrated our ultra-rugged design into a compact feature phone with DuraXE Epic” said Vipul Dalal, Divisional Vice President at Kyocera’s Communications Equipment Group. “First responders and enterprise users are looking for a durable, compact and customizable option to help reduce overall costs. A device that focuses on productivity and usability can be crucial for public safety and other workers who need to stay laser-focused on the job.”

To learn more about Kyocera and DuraXE Epic, go to KyoceraMobile.com. For more on FirstNet, check out FirstNet.com.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

*SOS and PTT require subscription; buttons also programmable for other applications
**Water safe up to 6.5 feet for 30 mins; IP6X dust proof, blowing dust & sand
***Additional fees may apply

About Kyocera
Kyocera International Inc.’s Communications Equipment Group (CEG) is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. With a history of quality and innovation delivering many “firsts” to the U.S. market, Kyocera is the leader in rugged mobile solutions. Launching more than 100 waterproof and rugged mobile devices globally over the last 10+ years, Kyocera strives to offer rugged, reliable technology as an integral part of a total mobile offering: combining Military Standard 810G & 810H-certified ruggedization and enterprise-grade security with a partner ecosystem, industry-specific applications and innovative accessories. Working with leading service providers, Kyocera has created a “Total Solution” offering that helps deliver a significantly lower total cost of ownership to a wide range of industries such as public safety, transportation, and construction. White glove services including overnight advanced replacement, custom provisioning, repair, and more help productivity for business customers. When it comes to blending performance, durability and support, Kyocera’s rugged mobile solutions are in a class of their own. For more information, visit kyoceramobile.com or follow the company at facebook.com/kyoceramobile, twitter.com/kyoceramobile, youtube.com/kyoceramobile, instagram.com/kyoceramobile and linkedin.com/company/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO: 6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2020, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 1.6 trillion yen (approx. US$14.7 billion). Kyocera is ranked #549 on Forbes magazine’s 2020 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.