Zetifi & Icom launch UHF CB pack for remote drivers

Zetifi has entered a partnership with Icom to launch a combined UHF CB radio and antenna pack aimed at drivers and field operators in regional and remote Australia.

The new UHF CB Radio Pack pairs Zetifi's Australian-made Smart Antenna with Icom's IC-455 UHF CB radio. The companies are targeting 4x4 owners, trades, agriculture, transport and commercial fleets.

The companies said the product is aimed at users who work in harsh and variable terrain. They are positioning the pack as a single, ready-to-install solution for vehicles that already rely on UHF CB communication.

The arrangement also lays the groundwork for future services such as location tracking, duress alerts and telematics. Both firms see demand for these services among fleet operators, utilities, emergency services, mining and agriculture.

"Bringing Zetifi and Icom technology together marks an important step forward for UHF radio in this country. This partnership combines complementary strengths and sets us up to deliver safer, smarter and more connected solutions for Australian drivers and fleet operators. This launch is only the beginning of a broader roadmap that brings location intelligence, duress capability and advanced telemetrics into the hands of customers who rely on dependable communication every day," said Dan Winson, CEO, Zetifi.

Australian-made antenna

The pack centres on Zetifi's Smart Antenna, which the company designs and manufactures in Australia. The antenna platform is protected by patents and ships with a five-year warranty.

The antenna has 3dBi gain. Zetifi said this supports stable performance across different terrain types.

The housing has an IP69K rating. This means it is built for heavy-duty use and protection against dust and high-pressure cleaning.

The antenna now ships in a matte black finish. Zetifi said this reduces glare for drivers.

The company offers a 500mm version that is optimised for mounting on bonnets. It also offers a 580mm version that suits bull bar installations.

Zetifi promotes a performance guarantee on the Smart Antenna. It said the design aims at long service life, consistent clarity and dependable communication.

The Smart Antenna platform includes space for optional onboard electronics. These electronics would support telematics, vehicle tracking and safety functions.

Zetifi said these electronics are in development with partners in agriculture, utilities, government and fleet management. The company expects these functions to turn the antenna into a hub for future vehicle data services.

Zetifi technology is already in use across Australian sectors including telecommunications, agriculture and rural connectivity programmes. Customers include Telstra, agricultural associations and regional schemes.

Installers such as Burdekin Communications in Queensland have deployed Zetifi equipment in regional New South Wales. Zetifi said these users have reported improved coverage and day-to-day reliability.

"Our focus is on practical innovation that improves safety and productivity in the field," said Winson. "The opportunity to integrate Zetifi's antenna technology with Icom's trusted radios allow us to move faster and deliver meaningful benefits to customers who depend on simple and reliable communication."

Icom IC-455 radio

The pack includes Icom's IC-455, a Japanese-made 5-watt UHF CB radio. The model is already in use across multiple Australian industries.

The IC-455 features loud and clear audio. It ships with an LCD speaker microphone that offers record and playback.

The unit supports automatic 12 V and 24 V voltage detection. This simplifies installation across different vehicle types.

The radio comes with a five-year warranty. Icom said the model has a record of long-term reliability in field conditions.

Icom's UHF CB range is used by emergency services, agriculture, mining, 4WD users and industrial operators. The radios are built to military-grade standards and use advanced communication technologies.

Models such as the IC-41PRO, IC-410PRO and IC-455 operate across the 80-channel UHF CB network. Icom said this ensures compatibility and seamless connectivity for Australian users.

"Icom's radio technology has been trusted globally across many sectors for decades," said Marty Anderson, General Manager, Icom Australia. "Our products are designed and built to last in the most challenging environments, tried and tested by military and humanitarian organisations. Working together with Zetifi strengthens our capabilities across the Australian market and further afield. Together, Zetifi and Icom will bring forward features that combine voice communications, location services and safety management into a single, flexible and modern platform."

Dealer and fleet focus

Zetifi and Icom are targeting dealers and fleet managers with the combined pack. The companies said a single bundle reduces complexity for installers and buyers.

The pack comes with aligned support and warranty programmes from both firms. The companies said this will streamline service arrangements for operators with large vehicle fleets.

The partners also promote a clear upgrade path for future safety and telemetric features. The intention is that operators can adopt new functions over time while keeping the core UHF CB setup in place.

4x4 accessory dealers are another focus. These outlets often supply communication kits for remote touring and recreational use.

MIB Projects operates across the Pilbara region in Western Australia. The company runs projects in remote and high-temperature environments.

"MIB Projects works across the Pilbara where the environment demands equipment that is tough, dependable and easy to maintain," added Cameron Bunker, Managing Director, MIB Projects. " A solution backed by Zetifi and Icom gives us confidence that we can support our drivers and field teams wherever the job takes us."

The UHF CB Radio Pack is now available through participating dealers across Australia and through Zetifi's own channels. The companies expect further product developments under the partnership as work on location and safety services progresses.