Clear-Com introduced FreeSpeak Cell at NAB Show 2026. The company says the new wireless intercom system uses LTE and 5G networks for large-scale production communications.
Clear-Com positions FreeSpeak Cell as a full-duplex intercom system for wide-area operations without traditional RF coordination.
The company says FreeSpeak Cell made its debut on day one of NAB 2026. It is designed for productions that need wider coverage, higher user counts, and simpler deployment in crowded spectrum environments.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell for LTE and 5G workflows
FreeSpeak Cell runs over public and private LTE and 5G networks, according to Clear-Com. As a result, teams can run wireless intercom across large areas without depending on UHF, DECT, or Wi-Fi bands.
According to the company, this directly addresses spectrum congestion in large venues and dense live event environments. Clear-Com also says cellular infrastructure allows the system to cover wider areas with fewer on-site components.
Bob Boster, President of Clear-Com, said FreeSpeak Cell marks a change in how productions approach wireless intercom. He said the company is applying carrier-grade cellular infrastructure to professional communications in order to expand scale and coverage.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell for large productions
The company says FreeSpeak Cell is designed for large venues and distributed productions where conventional wireless systems can face channel limits, coverage issues, or coordination problems.
Clear-Com says the system supports deployments of 100 or more beltpacks and can scale to hundreds of users depending on network setup. Because it uses LTE and 5G, coverage can extend beyond a single building or compound.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell features
FreeSpeak Cell supports operation over LTE and 5G networks, CBRS private LTE in the United States, and dual SIM operation with both physical SIM and eSIM, the company says.
Clear-Com also says the system supports global radio operation across 700 to 900 MHz and 1700 to 4200 MHz bands. In addition, the dual SIM design lets users work with private networks, public carrier networks, or a mix of both.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell and the FreeSpeak lineup
Clear-Com says FreeSpeak Cell extends the FreeSpeak wireless intercom portfolio beyond the physical limits of traditional RF systems. While FreeSpeak II is aimed at more contained venues and localized productions, the company says FreeSpeak Cell is built for large and distributed environments.
This makes it suitable for campuses, large venues, and production zones spread across wider areas, according to Clear-Com.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell deployment model
Instead of relying on local DECT or UHF transceivers placed around a venue, FreeSpeak Cell uses existing cellular infrastructure, Clear-Com says. In venues with private LTE or 5G, the system can run on that infrastructure. In other cases, it can use public carrier networks where coverage and policy allow.
The company says this model can reduce the amount of temporary RF equipment, cabling, and frequency coordination needed for large productions. As a result, teams can deploy communications faster and adapt more easily when production layouts change.
Clear-Com also says the system is designed to support multi-channel full-duplex voice communications alongside data and video workflows, depending on network setup and available bandwidth.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell and industry changes
Several industry trends support the move toward cellular-based communications, according to Clear-Com. These include rising congestion in traditional wireless intercom bands, spectrum reallocation in some regions, and growing investment in private LTE and 5G infrastructure in venues across the United States and Europe.
The company also points to CBRS private cellular spectrum in the United States as an important factor. According to Clear-Com, venue operators are already using private LTE networks for communications, point-of-sale systems, access control, and video replay.
Clear-Com FreeSpeak Cell platform integration
FreeSpeak Cell currently works with the Eclipse HX digital matrix platform, according to Clear-Com. The company also says Arcadia Central Station integration is expected a few months after the initial release.
In addition, Clear-Com plans support for Gen-IC later this year. According to the company, this will extend FreeSpeak Cell further into the wider Clear-Com intercom ecosystem.
