HMD Secure, Qualcomm Technologies, and STREAMWIDE have introduced a new direct device-to-device communication system built on 3GPP NR Sidelink technology. This solution is specifically designed to maintain connectivity for first responders and critical infrastructure teams when traditional mobile networks fail or are unavailable.
The partnership, set to debut publicly at Critical Communications World in Helsinki, brings together ruggedized mobile hardware, a mission-critical application layer, and chipset-level support for direct device communication. The system enables voice calls, messaging, and data transfer in off-grid situations where network coverage is poor, overloaded, or entirely absent.
The demonstration centers on NR Sidelink, a 5G feature that allows devices to communicate directly with each other without needing to route data through a base station. In the proof of concept, two devices can create a direct connection, while multiple devices can form a mesh network that extends communication over several kilometers, depending on spectrum availability and deployment conditions.
The system combines Qualcomm’s 5G platform with sidelink connectivity support, HMD Secure’s rugged smartphone hardware including its Ivalo XE terminal and tactical module, and STREAMWIDE’s mission-critical communications software that provides push-to-talk, messaging, and file sharing features.
The companies state that this combination supports both indoor and outdoor operations, allowing devices to stay connected even in collapsed infrastructure scenarios or during major emergencies. The architecture also includes priority and pre-emption features to ensure emergency communications aren’t interrupted by lower-priority traffic.
HMD Secure reports that it is already collaborating with several enterprise customers on early test platforms, indicating the technology has progressed beyond lab testing toward limited field trials. The company positions this solution as part of its broader strategy to provide secure, sovereign mobile infrastructure for government, defense, logistics, and industrial sectors.
Naufel Dekli, general manager of product portfolio at HMD Secure, noted that off-grid resilience is becoming a fundamental requirement for mission-critical users rather than an optional feature. He explained that combining NR Sidelink with rugged devices and mission-critical applications offers a “simple way to keep talking, sharing, and coordinating when it matters most”.
From the chipset standpoint, Dino Flore, vice-president of technology at Qualcomm Europe, explained how the technology demonstrates the use of 3GPP standards to extend communications beyond traditional network limits, especially in high-stress situations like disaster response.
STREAMWIDE chief executive Pascal Béglin stated that the collaboration demonstrates how interoperable technologies can maintain operational continuity when infrastructure is damaged, emphasizing the importance of resilient communication systems for public safety and industrial users.
While device-to-device communications have existed for years, including earlier LTE-based sidelink solutions, the partners claim that 5G NR Sidelink substantially improves capacity, range, and flexibility, particularly when integrated with mesh networking.
The companies also highlight support for multiple spectrum configurations, which could enable deployment across various regulatory environments and operational scenarios, though commercial availability remains limited to early access programs and select customers.
Hardware support currently focuses on HMD Secure’s tactical module for its Ivalo device range, with broader device compatibility anticipated in future versions as the ecosystem matures. The partners mention ongoing interoperability testing with additional mission-critical communications vendors, indicating efforts to align with broader MCX standards used in public safety networks.
Live demonstrations are planned for June 16th at 12pm BST and June 18th at 10:30am BST at the Finnish Pavilion during Critical Communications World, where the companies will display multi-device mesh communications, off-grid push-to-talk, and data sharing in simulated network-denied conditions.
If the technology delivers as promised in real-world scenarios, it could provide a path toward more resilient edge connectivity for IoT deployments in industries where downtime is unacceptable. However, as with many early-stage 5G sidelink applications, questions persist regarding scalability, battery efficiency, and regulatory approval for widespread use.
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