Instant Connect

About Instant Connect

Instant Connect provides an advanced IP-based push-to-talk (PTT) communications platform, the Instant Connect Enterprise™ (ICE), designed for mission-critical operations. The company primarily serves elite frontline teams within the military, government, first responder units, and commercial sectors such as aviation, logistics, and energy. Its business model centers on delivering a robust software solution that ensures seamless and secure connectivity when every second is critical.

The company's origins trace back to the technological needs highlighted by the communication failures among first responders during the 9/11 attacks, which spurred the development of voice interoperability over IP protocols. The Dillon Kane Group (DKG), a Chicago-based technology firm, acquired Instant Connect in 2018, providing significant investment and resources to advance its tactical communication capabilities. The company is led by CEO Forrest Claypool, who brings extensive experience in managing large organizations, including his tenure as CEO of the Chicago Board of Education and Chief of Staff for the City of Chicago. This leadership, combined with a team of military veterans and technology experts, guides the company's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of critical missions.

The core of Instant Connect's offering is its ability to create a bridge between disparate communication devices and networks. The ICE platform enables users on radios, smartphones, tablets, and desktops to join the same conversation, regardless of their network (LTE, Wi-Fi, satellite, etc.). A key differentiator is its serverless deployment capability, allowing teams to establish talk channels on the fly in the field without pre-configuration. It is certified by the U.S. Military's Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), a testament to its reliability and security. The platform also features a plugin for the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), automated logging of communications, and real-time voice and text translation in over 70 languages, which is crucial for multinational coalition forces.