Clear-Com has introduced FreeSpeak Cell, a next-generation cellular-based wireless intercom system that leverages LTE and 5G infrastructure to deliver wide-area, full-duplex connectivity. The system made its official debut on day one of NAB 2026, positioning itself as a transformative solution for increasingly complex and distributed production environments.

Designed to operate seamlessly across both public and private LTE and 5G networks, FreeSpeak Cell eliminates the traditional dependency on local RF spectrum, directly addressing the growing congestion across UHF, DECT and Wi-Fi bands — an issue that continues to intensify in large venues and high-density live event scenarios.

“FreeSpeak Cell represents a shift in how productions approach wireless intercom,” said Bob Boster, President of Clear-Com. “We are applying carrier-grade cellular infrastructure to professional communications, expanding both scale and coverage.”

Unlike conventional wireless intercom systems that are inherently constrained by spectrum availability and physical coverage boundaries, FreeSpeak Cell extends communication far beyond a single venue footprint. By leveraging cellular networks, the system enables connectivity across expansive sites, multi-venue campuses and geographically distributed production zones—all while significantly reducing the need for on-site RF infrastructure.

Engineered for large-scale deployments, FreeSpeak Cell supports systems of 100 or more beltpacks and can scale to accommodate hundreds of users depending on network configuration. Its dual SIM architecture — supporting both physical SIM and eSIM — allows flexible operation across private cellular networks, public carriers, or hybrid configurations tailored to specific production requirements. With global radio support spanning 700–900 MHz and 1700–4200 MHz bands, the platform ensures adaptability across diverse international environments, including CBRS private LTE (Band 48) deployments in the United States.

This infrastructure-light approach marks a fundamental departure from traditional DECT- or UHF-based systems, which rely on extensive networks of local transceivers. By utilising existing cellular ecosystems, FreeSpeak Cell enables faster deployment, simplified frequency coordination, and greater scalability—particularly valuable in spectrum-constrained markets and large, fast-moving productions.

Positioned as a complementary extension to Clear-Com’s established FreeSpeak portfolio, the system expands operational capability beyond the localised environments typically served by FreeSpeak II, addressing the growing demand for wide-area, high-density communication workflows.

FreeSpeak Cell currently integrates with the Eclipse HX digital matrix platform, with planned compatibility for Arcadia Central Station expected in the coming months, followed by integration with Gen-IC, Clear-Com’s cloud-based intercom platform, later this year.