NAB 2026: Clear-Com's New FreeSpeak Cell Addresses Spectrum Congestion

Clear-Com has introduced the FreeSpeak Cell cellular-based wireless intercom system that uses LTE and 5G infrastructure to support large-scale production communications.

It is designed to operate over public and private LTE and 5G networks, enabling full-duplex wireless intercom across wide geographic areas without relying on traditional radio frequency coordination. FreeSpeak Cell directly addresses increasing congestion in UHF, DECT and Wi-Fi bands, particularly in large venues and high-density live event environments.

Unlike traditional wireless intercom systems constrained by local spectrum and physical coverage boundaries, FreeSpeak Cell relies on cellular networks to support communications across much larger areas with fewer onsite components. FreeSpeak Cell represents a shift in how productions approach wireless intercom, says Clear-Com President Bob Boster. We are applying carrier-grade cellular infrastructure to professional communications, expanding both scale and coverage.

FreeSpeak Cell is intended for large scale and distributed environments where conventional wireless systems can face channel limits, coverage constraints, or spectrum-coordination challenges. It supports deployments of 100 or more beltpacks and can scale to hundreds of users depending on network configuration. Because it operates over LTE and 5G, coverage can extend beyond a single building or compound, enabling communications across large properties or distributed production areas.

FreeSpeak Cell supports:

Operation over LTE and 5G networks

CBRS private LTE (Band 48) in the U.S.

Dual SIM capability, including physical SIM and eSIM

Global radio support across 700-900 MHz and 1700-4200 MHz bands

The dual SIM design allows users to configure access to private cellular networks, public-carrier networks, or a combination of both, depending on operational needs.

Complementing Clear Com's FreeSpeak wireless intercom portfolio, FreeSpeak Cell is designed for large, distributed environments that require wide area coverage, high user density, and seamless communication across campuses, venues, or geographically dispersed production zones.

Unlike traditional DECT- or UHF-based systems that require local transceivers positioned throughout a venue, FreeSpeak Cell uses existing cellular infrastructure. In venues with private LTE or 5G networks, it can operate over that infrastructure. In other environments, it can use public carrier networks where coverage and policies permit.

The system is designed to support multichannel, full-duplex voice communications alongside other workflows running on the same network, including data applications and video transport, subject to network configuration and bandwidth availability.

Relying on cellular infrastructure rather than venue-specific RF transceivers can significantly reduce the amount of temporary equipment, cabling, and frequency coordination typically required for large productions. This model allows teams to deploy communications more quickly, scale systems more easily, and adapt to changing production layouts without reconfiguring RF infrastructure.

Currently, FreeSpeak Cell works with the Eclipse HX digital matrix platform. Integration with Arcadia Central Station is expected a few months after initial release, and support for Gen-IC, Clear-Com's cloud-based intercom platform, is planned for later this year.

FreeSpeak Cell begins shipping this spring in the U.S. Additional regulatory certifications for other regions are expected throughout the year.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/04/17/clear-coms-new-freespeak-cell-a...
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