Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Company type	Public
Industry	Technology, Public safety, Security
Predecessor	Motorola, Inc.
Founded	January 4, 2011; 15 years ago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Headquarters	Chicago, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Land mobile radios, integrated command center solutions, video security systems, managed services
Number of employees	21,000 (2024)
Website	www.motorolasolutions.com

Motorola Solutions, Inc. is a U.S.-based technology firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in products and services related to safety and security. The company provides essential communication systems, video surveillance, and command center technologies primarily designed for public safety organizations and corporate clients.

Its offerings are organized into three primary categories: land mobile radio (LMR) critical communication devices and networks; integrated command center solutions combining voice, video, and data; and video security systems equipped with AI-driven analytics and management software. Furthermore, Motorola Solutions delivers managed services and technical support through a worldwide network of operations centers.

Following the 2011 separation of its mobile phone division into Motorola Mobility, Motorola Solutions emerged as the legal successor to Motorola, Inc. and continues to hold a significant position in mission-critical communications markets. The company’s strategic approach centers on advancing public safety technology innovation, supported by subsidiaries such as Airwave Solutions, Avigilon, and Pelco.

History

On January 4, 2011, Motorola Inc. divided into two separate entities: Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions. The latter, concentrating on enterprise security and public safety, began independent trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MSI.

In April 2011, Motorola Solutions resolved a trade secrets dispute with Huawei, which cleared the way for selling its networks division to Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) for $975 million in cash. This transaction transferred roughly 6,900 employees along with customer support responsibilities for GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMAX, and LTE technologies to NSN.

The year 2012 marked the launch of the LEX700—the world’s first handheld LTE device designed for public safety—offering rugged hardware connectivity across LTE, cellular, IP, and P25 networks.

January 2014 brought the acquisition of Twisted Pair Solutions, enhancing broadband push-to-talk capabilities for secure communications across sectors including business, military, and public safety. Later that year, Motorola Solutions divested its Enterprise segment—which included rugged mobile computers, tablets, and barcode scanners—to Zebra Technologies in a $3.45 billion cash deal; approximately 4,500 employees transitioned as part of this agreement. This sale encompassed Symbol Technologies and Psion.

In February 2015, Motorola Solutions acquired Emergency CallWorks, a provider of Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) call-taking software that consolidates emergency call information for responders. Two months later, it purchased PublicEngines—a cloud-based crime analytics company specializing in predictive policing data and citizen engagement tools.

August 2015 saw private equity firm Silver Lake Partners invest $1 billion in Motorola Solutions while securing two seats on its board.

In February 2016, Motorola Solutions expanded by acquiring Airwave Solutions, which operates the UK’s public safety radio network serving over 300 emergency agencies throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

November 2016 included the purchase of Spillman Technologies to enhance law enforcement software solutions focused on dispatching and records management. March 2017 brought the acquisition of Interexport SA. In August 2017, Kodiak Networks was acquired to broaden broadband push-to-talk offerings for commercial clients such as AT&T and Verizon.

In December 2017, Motorola Solutions faced antitrust litigation from Hytera alleging monopolistic conduct within the U.S. market.

March 2018 featured acquisitions of Avigilon—specializing in advanced video security technologies—for approximately $1 billion—and Airbus DS Communications’ North American assets including the VESTA emergency communications platform.

January 2019 involved acquiring VaaS International Holdings for $445 million; VaaS develops AI-powered license plate recognition technology serving both public safety agencies and commercial customers. In March 2019, Avtec was purchased to strengthen software dispatch console capabilities for transportation and utility sectors. July 2019 added WatchGuard’s mobile video systems and body-worn cameras tailored for law enforcement use.

During March 2020 acquisitions included Lunarline (cybersecurity services) and IndigoVision (video security solutions). August 2020 acquisitions expanded cloud-based mobile applications with Callyo alongside CCTV capabilities through Pelco Inc., formerly part of Schneider Electric’s portfolio. September 2020 brought Delta Risk’s managed security services platform featuring SOAR functionality.

July 2021 saw the addition of Openpath Security Inc., a provider of cloud-based mobile access control complementing existing video security products. November 2021 incorporated Envysion’s enterprise video security and analytics solutions targeted at retail and quick-service restaurants. December 2021 acquisitions included 911 Datamaster’s NG9-1-1 location services enhancing emergency call precision.

March 2022 acquisitions featured Ava Security’s cloud-native video analytics platform headquartered in London as well as TETRA Ireland Communications LTD—provider of national digital radio services for Irish first responders; Motorola Solutions previously held a minority stake before full acquisition. April 2022 added Calipsa’s AI-driven cloud video analytics platform. May 2022 included Videotec—a manufacturer of ruggedized video security equipment based in Italy.

August 2022 acquisitions incorporated Barrett Communications from Australia specializing in HF/VHF radio systems serving civil security sectors. October 2022 brought Futurecom Systems Group from Canada offering radio coverage extension solutions via repeaters and extenders.

December 2022 acquisitions included Rave Mobile Safety’s mass notification and incident management platforms supporting public safety communication needs.

December 2023 acquisition of IPVideo introduced HALO Smart Sensor technology capable of monitoring air quality while detecting gunshots and emergencies using artificial intelligence.

February 2024 acquisition of Silent Sentinel expanded long-range specialized camera offerings aimed at homeland security markets with detection ranges up to twenty miles.

July 2024 saw the addition of Noggin from Australia providing cloud-based business continuity planning alongside critical event management software.

November 2024 acquisition of UK-based 3tc Software enhanced control room software tailored specifically for fire departments, rescue teams, and police services.

January 2025 marked an agreement to acquire Theatro Labs Inc., a Texas-based provider of AI-powered voice communication software designed for frontline personnel; this transaction concluded in March 2025.

February 2025 acquisition of RapidDeploy strengthened cloud-native NG9-1-1 solutions focused on public safety from Austin, Texas.

March 2025 agreement to acquire InVisit expanded offerings in cloud-based visitor management software originating from California.

May 2025 announced a $4.4 billion agreement to acquire Silvus Technologies of Los Angeles—a developer specializing in software-defined high-speed mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) that enable secure voice, video, and data communications without fixed infrastructure—serving military forces, law enforcement agencies, autonomous systems manufacturers, and enterprises. This transaction is anticipated to finalize later in the year.

Products

APX series P25 two-way radios: Equipped with touchscreens, integrated smart features, and broadband capabilities for multimedia applications, these radios are extensively utilized by emergency responders.
Professional and Commercial Radios: This category comprises MOTOTRBO professional two-way radios that provide nationwide coverage, encryption, and interoperability with cellular networks and law enforcement communication systems. Additionally, commercial radios are designed for straightforward operation across both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
Command Center Solutions: Software tailored for public safety encompassing community engagement tools, management of 911 calls, voice and computer-aided dispatch systems, field operations reporting, records and evidence management, as well as real-time situational awareness.
Video Security Devices: Includes body-worn cameras intended for use in law enforcement, security services, retail environments, and healthcare facilities.

Product lines expanded through acquisitions:

Avigilon: Offers IP-based security camera solutions alongside cloud and on-premises access control systems.
Pelco: Provides open-platform surveillance cameras and sensor technology.
IPVideo: Features HALO Smart Sensor devices specialized in vape detection along with SentryERS Lockdown & Emergency Response Systems.
Silent Sentinel: Manufactures long-range thermal imaging cameras capable of detecting targets up to 30 kilometers away.
Cape: Develops drone software facilitating both local and remote piloting, live video streaming, and management of evidence-grade footage.

Business trends

The key financial indicators for Motorola Solutions, based on fiscal years ending December 31, demonstrate a steady increase in revenue, net income, total assets, and employee numbers:

	Revenue (US$ bn)	Net income (US$ bn)	Total assets (US$ bn)	Number of employees
2016	6.0	0.56	8.4	14,000
2017	6.3	−0.15	8.2	15,000
2018	7.3	0.96	9.4	16,000
2019	7.8	0.86	10.6	17,000
2020	7.4	0.94	10.8	18,000
2021	8.1	1.2	12.1	18,700
2022	9.1	1.3	12.8	20,000
2023	9.9	1.7	13.3	21,000
2024	10.8	1.6	14.6	21,000

This upward progression underscores the success of Motorola Solutions’ strategic initiatives and its growing footprint within the communications and security sectors.

Involvement in Israeli settlements

In 2020, Motorola Solutions along with its subsidiary Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd., was listed in a United Nations registry identifying companies engaged in activities connected to Israeli settlements located in occupied territories. The company was noted for providing surveillance and identification technology deployed at settlements, checkpoints, and barriers.

These settlements are broadly regarded by the international community as contravening international law, which has negatively impacted Motorola Solutions’ public image and investor relations.

In July 2021, KLP, Norway’s largest pension fund, divested from Motorola Solutions among 15 other firms cited for their involvement in these activities, highlighting concerns over the use of the company’s video security products in border surveillance.

This issue poses reputational challenges that could affect Motorola Solutions’ worldwide operations and investor trust going forward.

Patent litigation

Beginning in March 2017, Motorola Solutions initiated legal proceedings against Chinese two-way radio manufacturer Hytera across multiple jurisdictions including the United States, Germany, Australia, and before the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). The claims centered on allegations that Hytera infringed on Motorola’s patents and unlawfully acquired trade secrets through three former Motorola employees who joined Hytera. Motorola sought to prohibit sales and imports of Hytera’s devices within these markets. In April 2017, the USITC commenced an investigation into Hytera’s business practices. Subsequently, in January 2025, Hytera admitted guilt in an Illinois federal court for misappropriating digital mobile radio trade secrets belonging to Motorola and agreed to pay fines up to $60 million plus restitution following a $764 million jury verdict in 2020 related to trade secret theft and copyright violations.

In August 2021, Motorola Solutions submitted a detailed 52-page complaint to the USITC against Verkada, alleging that Verkada’s camera products and software infringed patents owned by Motorola’s subsidiary Avigilon. Verkada countered by filing a lawsuit against Motorola in California federal court in September 2021, accusing Motorola of attempting to eliminate its business operations. The USITC then launched an investigation into Motorola’s claims while Verkada denied any patent infringement allegations. These legal disputes illustrate Motorola Solutions’ proactive approach to safeguarding its intellectual property as part of its competitive strategy within the security technology market.

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