Do you want the best headset? 
In the high stakes, high profile world of emergency operations, where every second counts, reliable communication isn't just a tool, it's a lifeline. For decades, Poly (formerly Plantronics) has been the gold standard for dispatch products, powering 911 centers, police departments, ambulance services, and air traffic control with rugged, dependable gear like the CA22CD PTT, and SHS amplifiers. But on June 10, 2025, Poly (now under HP) dropped a bombshell: the discontinuation of its entire 911/dispatch headset line, including the CA22CD and related push-to-talk (PTT) devices. This abrupt move ends manufacturing and support by Q1 2026, leaving critical operations in a scramble. If you're in public safety, you're likely feeling the heat, or at the very least, anxiety as products are no longer available, spare parts vanishing, and budgets are already stretched thin. What now?
Poly's Legacy: From Industry Leader to Sudden Exit
Poly's dispatch products have been synonymous with reliability since the early 2000s, evolving from basic amplifiers to sophisticated PTT systems tailored for emergency ops centers (EOCs). The CA12/CA22CD, and the SHS-1890 line, for instance, became a staple for dispatching forits seamless integration with console systems, noise-canceling mics, and durable build that withstood 24/7 shifts. These weren't just headsets for convenience, they were the communication backbone of coordinated responses, from campus police dispatches to air traffic towers guiding flights, and of course public safety through Police dispatching.
That all changed with Poly's announcement. Citing a strategic pivot toward consumer and enterprise UC (unified communications), the company pulled the plug without a direct replacement.
- No phase-out grace period
- no successor lineup
- just a void leaving you scrambling for a solution
For high-visibility EOCs handling everything from mass casualty events to routine 911 calls, this isn't an inconvenience; it's a crisis. Imagine mid-shift failures or rushed procurement during peak demand - response times could suffer, lives hanging in the balance, and compliance headaches mount as outdated gear begin to fail. EOC communication issues are no joke, and this latest announcement truly isn't funny.
The Ripple Effect: Confusion and Panic in Public Safety
The fallout is already rippling through the sector. Police departments are auditing inventories, ambulance fleets are hunting for stopgaps, and air traffic controllers are briefing superiors on potential disruptions. With Poly's dominance, many operation centers standardized around the Poly ecosystem, now finding themselves scrambling for alternatives leaving them feeling like they’re starting from scratch.
Worse, the market gap is glaring. Major players like Jabra, Yealink, and EPOS, known for stellar office and contact center headsets, simply don't offer PTT dispatch products. They do offer excellent headset products for the office environment, but none of them bridges the PTT niche for console-integrated, mission-critical dispatching. This leaves teams in a fog of confusion, and the panic is real! Searches for "Poly CA22CD alternatives" have surged 300% since the news broke, with forums buzzing about "no viable options" and "budget black holes."
Just when it seemed like there weren’t any viable options, a glimmer of hope has emerged. JPL announced the soon to be released SCOUT line of PTT dispatch amplifiers to fill the gap that Poly left behind. This news has breathed fresh air into a deflated EOC population by providing them with a viable solution to address this abrupt problem.
The JPL PTT Scout: The Seamless Dispatch Savior
Announced in August 2025 as a direct response to the Poly shake-up, the JPL PTT Scout lineup (including wired Scout 200/300 and wireless Scout 3100) steps in as the one-and-only true alternative for dispatch pros. Built by JPL Telecom, a veteran in telecom hardware, the Scout isn't just compatible; it's engineered for zero-disruption upgrades making this a dispatch no brainer.
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Key Features That Keep You Operational
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Rugged, Mission-Critical Design: IP67-rated for dust/water resistance, with ergonomic shaping for marathon shifts. Compatible with noise-canceling mics ensure crystal-clear transmission in busy communication centers.
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Wireless Freedom with Security: The Scout 3100 uses DECT technology for up to 120m / 400 feet of wireless range, supporting secure, step C encrypted calls, perfect for campus-wide police or multi-agency responses. Included hot swappable spare battery with built in charge bay means uninterrupted power for long, and multiple shift use. 8-10 hours of use per charge, with a battery charge time of 4 hours.
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Versatile Connectivity: Hooks into two-prong consoles via PJ7, USB ports, and Quick Disconnect (QD) cables. It even pairs flawlessly with your existing Poly wired headsets, letting you retain legacy gear while adding PTT functionality.
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Smart Controls: LED indicators, volume wheels, and programmable PTT buttons for intuitive use. Plus, GPS tracking and lone-worker alerts for field teams.
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TAA-Compliant Scalability: Designed in the U.K. and made in South Korea making it TAA compliant for government buyers, with easy fleet deployment.
What sets Scout apart? Seamless Tandem Operation. Plug it into your current console setup, and it amplifies PTT signals without rewiring. Transition from Poly's CA22CD/SHS 1890 by swapping the amplifier, leaving your headsets, software, and workflows intact. The setup is quick and easy, with plug and play simplicity. Where Jabra, Yealink and EPOS don’t offer dispatching solutions, JPL's Scout is the unchallenged future-proof bridge Emergency Operations Centers are looking for and need. Whether you need a direct replacement for your wired SHS-1890 PTT amplifiers, or for your CA22CD wireless, the JPL Scout series has a direct replacement ready to get to work with zero disruption to your operation.
Tight Budgets? Lease Your Dispatch gear with Headset Advisor
Upgrading doesn't have to drain your operations budget. If you're eyeing a refresh amid Poly's exit, consider leasing through Headset Advisor, the industry leader with over 30 years of headset expertise. One low monthly rate covers the full Scout suite, including deployment, replacement accessories and a non-expiring warranty. No upfront capital outlay means funds stay allocated for other areas of need for the Agency like training, vehicles, or tech infrastructure.
At lease end, refresh to the latest models, ensuring you remain up-to-date without obsolescence risks, or reliability issues. It's tax-deductible, scalable for any size organization, and backed by our personal support. Public safety teams trust Headset Advisor for hassle-free solutions to keep them communicating.
Ready to Secure Your Comms? Contact Us Today
Poly's axe may have fallen on dispatch products, but JPL PTT Scout rises to meet the challenge, delivering the seamless, robust dispatch solution your team needs and deserves. Don't let this Poly uncertainty derail your operations. Have questions or need a custom quote? Reach out to Headset Advisor today, and let one of our trained Advisors guide you through demos, compatibility checks, or procurement. Call 800-683-5715 or email info@headsetadvisor.com. We’ve been helping customers for over 30 years, and we’re still going strong.
FAQs:
Q: When does Poly's discontinuation take full effect?
A: Manufacturing ends June 10, 2025, with support phasing out in Q1 2026. You may want to begin making plans on the cutover to the JPL Scout once the product is officially released.
Q: Will the PTT Scout work with my existing Poly CA22CD headsets?
A: Absolutely, its QD and console compatibility ensures drop-in integration, extending the life of your wired Poly gear which saves you money in the migration to the Scout.
Q: How secure is the Scout for sensitive EOC communications?
A: DECT Security step C, encryption: FIPS-140-2 and FCC-certified design prioritize security, with features like user authentication for mission-critical channels.
Q: What's the lead time for Scout deployment?
A: The Scout is a new product, one designed to pick up where Poly / HP have left off. The Scout has an anticipated release date of Q4 2025.
Q: Can I lease just the Scout, or bundle with other headsets?
A: Yes, you have the ability to lease your Scout products, or, if you prefer, you can add compatible headsets to the lease for a complete solution with one low rate that covers it all for predictable budgeting.
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