Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Motorola Solutions, Inc. is an American technology, communications, and security company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is the legal successor of Motorola, Inc., following the spinoff of the mobile phone division into Motorola Mobility in 2011. Motorola Solutions is focused on mission-critical communications including land mobile radio, such as enterprise two-way radios and consumer-grade walkie-talkies and baby monitors, emergency and public safety LTE devices, video surveillance and security software.

History

On January 4, 2011 Motorola Inc. split into two companies: Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions. Motorola Solutions, the public safety and enterprise security side of the business, began trading as a separate independent company under the NYSE symbol MSI.

In April 2011, Motorola Solutions and China’s Huawei Technologies settled a legal dispute over trade secrets, which cleared the way for Motorola Solutions to complete the sale of its networks business unit to Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) for $975 million in cash. As part of the transaction, approximately 6,900 employees, and responsibility for supporting customers of Motorola Solutions’ GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMAX and LTE products and services transferred to NSN.

In 2012, the company released the LEX700 mission-critical handheld radio, the world’s first handheld public safety LTE device. The device combined rugged hardware with the ability to connect with public safety LTE, cellular, IP and P25 networks

In January 2014, the company announced its acquisition of Twisted Pair Solutions, a provider of push-to-talk over broadband applications for secure, real-time communication on any device. Twisted Pair created an integrated communications system that allows different devices (smartphones, tablets, and PCs) to talk to each other in business, public safety, and military applications.

Later that year, the company completed the sale of its Enterprise business, comprising rugged mobile computers, tablets, and barcode scanners, to Zebra Technologies for $3.45 billion in cash. As part of the sale, approximately 4,500 Motorola Solutions employees from locations throughout the world were transferred to Zebra. Assets transferred to Zebra included two earlier Motorola-acquired companies: Symbol Technologies (acquired in 2007) and Psion (acquired in 2012).

In February 2015, the company acquired Emergency CallWorks, a provider of Next-Generation 9-1-1 ( NG9-1-1) call-taking software for public safety. The company developed technology that consolidates information from multiple 911 calls reporting the same emergency into a single source that can be shared with emergency professionals. In April of that year, they acquired PublicEngines, a crime analysis firm. The company is based in Utah and provides cloud-based solutions for data analytics of crime, predictive policing strategies, and citizen engagement.

In August 2015, the company received a $1 billion investment from the private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, As part of the transaction, Silver Lake was granted two seats on Motorola Solutions’ Board of Directors.

In February 2016, the company completed its acquisition of Airwave Solutions, the UK-based operator of the British public safety radio network responsible for providing mission-critical voice and data communications to more than 300 emergency and public service agencies comprising police, fire, rescue and ambulance services across England, Scotland, and Wales.

In November 2016, the company completed acquisition of Spillman Technologies, which produces law enforcement and public safety software solutions for computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS). https://www.motorolasolutions.com/newsroom/press-releases/motorola-solutions-completes-acquisition-spillman-technologies.html

In March, 2017, Motorola Solutions acquired Interexport SA.

In August 2017, Motorola Solutions announced it completed the acquisition of Kodiak Networks, a privately held provider of broadband push-to-talk (PTT) for commercial customers. Its clients included AT&T, Vodafone, KPN, Verizon, Telefonica, Bell Canada, and Vivo.

In December 2017, two-way radio manufacturer Hytera filed antitrust litigation against Motorola Solutions in alleging that Motorola Solutions is engaging in anti-competitive practices that are unlawful under the Sherman Act and Clayton Act. Hytera's complaint alleges that Motorola Solutions prevents Hytera from competing in the U.S. marketplace by enforcing inflated prices and engaging in a monopolistic scheme that includes forcing LMR dealers to drop Hytera's products.

In March 2018, Motorola Solutions acquired Avigilon, a Canada-based company, for about $1 billion. Avigilon designs, develops, and manufactures advanced security surveillance solutions.

Also in March, the acquisition of Airbus DS Communications was finalized. In 2017, Motorola Solutions had announced plans to purchase the North American assets of Airbus DS Communications, including its VESTA platform.

VaaS International Holdings, a data and image-analytics company, was acquired by Motorola Solutions in January, 2019. VaaS’s products include an image capture and analysis platform with fixed and mobile license plate reader cameras. The platform is driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and provides vehicle location data to public safety and commercial customers.

In March 2019, Avtec was acquired. The company is based in South Carolina and develops software-based, dispatch console solutions used in the commercial transportation and utility industries, as well as in public-safety.

In July 2019, WatchGuard was acquired. The company makes in-car video systems and body cameras for law enforcement.

In March 2020, Lunarline was acquired. The company is a cyber security and professional services firm that provides training, FedRAMP, penetration testing, and third-party assessments.

Also in March, IndigoVision was acquired. The company is a Scotland-based manufacturer of end-to-end video security solutions.

In August 2020, the company acquired Pelco Inc., a California-based supplier of CCTV cameras and components. Pelco was previously a Schneider Electric brand.

Callyo, a cloud-based mobile applications provider for law enforcement based in St. Petersburg, FL, was acquired in August, 2020. Callyo is a software as a service company (SaaS). It has two applications, 10-21 and Callyo, which were reportedly to be integrated into Motorola Solutions’ Command Central software suite.

In September, Delta Risk, an MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider), was acquired. The company is a Security Operations Center as a Service (SOC-as-a-Service) provider; and its ActiveEye platform provides security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR).

In July 2021, the company acquired Openpath Security Inc., a cloud-based, mobile access control provider. Openpath is a cloud-based mobile access control provider and supported Motorola Solutions’ video security and access control offerings.

In November 2021, the company acquired Envysion, a provider of enterprise video security and business analytics for quick-service restaurant and retail industries.

In December 2021, Motorola Solutions acquired 911 Datamaster, Inc., a Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) data solutions provider. The company’s products help ensure the precise positioning of emergency calls for faster responses from first responders.

In March 2022, the company acquired Ava Security, a global provider of cloud-native video security and analytics based in London, U.K. Ava’s cloud solution provides enterprises with real-time visibility and analytics to optimize operations and detect anomalies and threats.

Also in March, TETRA Ireland Communications LTD, the provider of Ireland’s National Digital Radio Service, was acquired by Motorola Solutions. TETRA Ireland delivers voice and data communications to first responders and frontline workers from national security and enforcement agencies, health and emergency services, state utilities, and volunteer organizations. Motorola Solutions was formerly a minority shareholder in TETRA Ireland.

In April, the acquisition of Calipsa was finalized. Calipsa specializes in cloud-native advanced video analytics. Its AI-powered platform is used by enterprise and security monitoring companies.

In May 2022, the company acquired Videotec, an Italy-based video security manufacturer. The company’s cameras are designed to withstand the extreme conditions and hazardous environments where critical infrastructure is often located.

In August 2022, the company acquired Barrett Communications, an Australia-based HF/VHF communications systems provider. The company provides specialized radio communications for the civil security, border security, coast guard, and other government and private sectors.

In October 2022, the company acquired Futurecom Systems Group, a leading provider of radio coverage extension solutions for public safety agencies, based in Ontario, Canada. The company designs and manufactures in-vehicle, fixed, and portable radio frequency repeaters and extenders.

In December 2022, the company acquired Rave Mobile Safety. Rave, based in Massachusetts, provides mass notification and incident management solutions to help organizations and public safety agencies communicate during emergencies.

In December 2023, the company acquired IPVideo, a New-York-based smart sensor company and creator of the HALO Smart Sensor. The Sensor monitors air quality, and detects gunshots, abnormal noises and motion, and has emergency keyword detection.

In February 2024, the company acquired Silent Sentinel, a UK-based rugged camera company. Silent Sentinel's security systems target the Homeland Security market. Silent Sentinel’s cameras can identify anomalies from up to 20 miles away.

In July 2024, Motorola Solutions acquired Noggin, a Sydney, Australia-based provider of cloud-based business continuity planning and critical event management software.

In November 2024, Motorola Solutions acquired 3tc Software, a provider of control room software solutions tailored for fire, rescue, and police services. 3tc is based in the U.K.

In January 2025, the company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Richardson, Texas-based Theatro Labs Inc, a maker of AI and voice-controlled communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers. The deal closed in March 2025.

In February 2025, the company acquired RapidDeploy, a complementary cloud-native 911 solution provider for public safety, based in Austin, Texas.

In March 2025, the company entered a definitive agreement to acquire InVisit, a cloud-based visitor management solution provider, based in Calabasas, California.

In May 2025, the company announced it is acquiring Silvus Technologies, a maker of advanced wireless communication systems for mission-critical applications. The $4.4 billion deal is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of 2025. Based in Los Angeles, California, Silvus designs and develops software-defined high-speed mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) technology that enables highly secure data, video and voice communications without the need for fixed infrastructure. Silvus' customers include autonomous systems manufacturers, military, law enforcement and enterprises.

Products

See List of Motorola products

Motorola Solutions sells products and solutions in three main categories: critical communications land mobile radio (LMR) devices and networks; command center technologies to connect voice, video and data feeds; and video security including devices, AI-powered analytics and management tools. They also offer managed and support services with a global network of operations centers.
Product lines include:

* APX series of P25 two-way radios: Includes touchscreens, built-in intelligence, and broadband connectivity for various multimedia types. Commonly used by first responders
* Professional & Commercial Radios: comprising MOTOTRBO professional two-way radios offering nationwide connectivity, sophisticated encryption options and interoperability with cellular and police systems; and business and commercial tier products focused on ease-of-use and operating in either licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
* Command Center products include public safety software focused on community engagement, 911 call management, voice and computer-aided dispatch, field response and reporting, records and evidence management, and real-time intelligence and analysis.
* Video security products include body cameras tailored for police, security guards, retail and healthcare
Motorola Solutions' product lines which resulted from an acquisiton:
* Avigilon, selling IP Security camera systems, and on-premises and cloud-based access controls
* Pelco, selling open-platform cameras and sensors
* IPVideo, selling the HALO Smart Sensor vape detector and the SentryERS Lockdown & Emergency Response System

Corporate affairs

Business trends

The key trends for Motorola Solutions are (as of the financial year ending December 31):

Controversies and litigation

Involvement in Israeli settlements

On February 12, 2020, the United Nations published a database of all business enterprises involved in certain specified activities related to the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Golan Heights. Motorola Solutions, Inc. and its subsidiary company, Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd., have been listed on the database in light of their involvement in activities related to "the supply of surveillance and identification equipment for settlements, the wall and checkpoints directly linked with settlements". The international community considers Israeli settlements built on land occupied by Israel to be in violation of international law.

On July 5, 2021, Norway's largest pension fund KLP said it would divest from Motorola Solutions, together with 15 other business entities implicated in the UN report for their links to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying it was "a very straightforward decision" given the use of the company's video security and software in border surveillance.

Patent litigation

Beginning in March 2017, Motorola Solutions filed a series of lawsuits against China-based two-way radio manufacturer Hytera in the United States, Germany, and Australia, as well as with the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). The complaints allege that Hytera is intentionally infringing on patents owned by Motorola Solutions and utilizing trade secrets stolen by three former Motorola Solutions employees who left to join Hytera. Motorola Solutions is seeking to stop Hytera from selling and importing its devices in these countries. In April 2017, the USITC announced that it had decided to institute an investigation into Hytera's trade practices. In January 2025, Hytera pleaded guilty in Illinois federal court to stealing Motorola Solutions trade secrets covering digital mobile radio technology. Hytera will be fined a maximum of $60 million under the plea agreement, and must separately pay Motorola Solutions restitution for the theft. This follows a $764M award in 2020 with a US jury verdict finding that Hytera stole Motorola's trade secrets and infringed its copyrights.

In August 2021, Motorola Solutions filed a 52-page complaint against Verkada with the United States International Trade Commission, alleging that Verkada cameras and software infringe upon patents held by Motorola Solutions subsidiary Avigilon. Verkada subsequently filed a lawsuit against Motorola Solutions in the California Northern District Court in September 2021, arguing that Motorola Solutions has "sought to effectively shut Verkada's business down". Later in September, the International Trade Commission initiated its investigation into Motorola Solutions' complaint, with Verkada stating in its response that it does not infringe upon any of Motorola Solutions' patents.

See also

* Astro (Motorola)
* Dimetra

References

External links

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2011 establishments in Illinois
American brands
American companies established in 2011
Electronics companies established in 2011
Manufacturing companies based in Chicago
Corporate spin-offs
Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange
Networking companies of the United States
Radio-frequency identification companies
Schaumburg, Illinois
Silver Lake (investment firm) companies
Telecommunications companies established in 2011
Telecommunications equipment vendors