Preferred Communications
Preferred Communications is a veteran-owned North Carolina corporation founded in 1994 that distributes and integrates rugged computing equipment, satellite communications, mobile routers, body cameras, and related hardware for public safety agencies, government, utilities, healthcare, and missionary organizations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersButner, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Preferred Communications does
Preferred Communications is a veteran-owned North Carolina corporation headquartered in Butner, NC, founded in 1994 to supply rugged computing and satellite communications technology for public safety vehicles. The company operates as a specialized value-added reseller and systems integrator, distributing and installing third-party hardware brands for government, public safety, utilities, healthcare, and nonprofit customers. Its core go-to-market is direct-to-consumer consultation-based sales through phone and email, targeting federal, state, and local agencies along with select commercial and nonprofit verticals including public utilities, medical facilities, missionary organizations, and media.
The product portfolio centers on rugged mobile computing platforms — Getac rugged laptops and tablets (B360, V110, S410, F110, A140) and Panasonic Toughbook — paired with Iridium satellite phones (9575, 9555, Go Exec), MSATe land-mobile-radio satellite services, Peplink and Cradlepoint cellular routers, Printek and PocketJet mobile printers, Intrensic body cameras, fleet camera systems, and proprietary mounting and installation hardware. The company does not develop its own underlying technology; rather, it integrates third-party OEM products and provides professional vehicle and facility installation services. No patents, proprietary software, AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or SDKs are disclosed, positioning the company as a distribution-and-integration layer rather than a product innovator.
The revenue model combines one-time hardware sales, recurring satellite airtime subscription services across multiple carrier networks (Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, BivyStick, MSAT), and project-based professional installation services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company maintains a small digital presence via its website (satstar.com) with product catalogs, comparison tools, and blog content, while primary sales close through direct phone consultation. Operating geographies are centered on North Carolina, though federal-agency and remote-area missionary customers imply shipments beyond state lines. The company has 51-100 employees and is privately held with no disclosed institutional investors, parent company, or funding history.
Preferred Communications firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Preferred Communications
- Legal name
- Preferred Communications
- Website
- https://satstar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Preferred Communications is a veteran-owned North Carolina corporation founded in 1994 that distributes and integrates rugged computing equipment, satellite communications, mobile routers, body cameras, and related hardware for public safety agencies, government, utilities, healthcare, and missionary organizations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Preferred Communications industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Rugged Computing & Satellite Communications Equipment
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing (33421)
- SIC
- Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Computer & Office Equipment (3570)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Tablet/Ultrabook Docking & Connectivity (Docks, Hubs, Adapters) (HDACAMAM), Satellite Broadband Internet Access (Consumer/SMB) (HDAIAJAA), Emergency Telecommunications & Connectivity (ETC) (BPADADAG)
Keywords
Where Preferred Communications is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Butner
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Preferred Communications business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of rugged laptops, tablets, satellite phones, mobile routers, printers, body cameras, and fleet cameras to government and commercial customers
- Satellite Airtime Services: Satellite phone airtime services including prepaid and postpaid plans for Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, and BivyStick devices
- Installation Services: Professional installation services for equipment in vehicles and facilities
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels2 records
Preferred Communications product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Preferred Communications distributes, sells, and installs rugged computing equipment (Getac and Panasonic Toughbook laptops and tablets), satellite communication devices (Iridium, Inmarsat, MSATe, Thuraya), mobile routers (Peplink, Cradlepoint), mobile printers (Printek, PocketJet), body and fleet cameras, and vehicle mounting solutions. The company also provides subscription satellite airtime services and professional installation for vehicles and facilities, serving federal, state, and local government agencies, public safety organizations, utilities, medical facilities, missionary organizations, and media.
Product overview
Preferred Communications is a veteran-owned North Carolina corporation established in 1994 that operates as a specialized technology equipment distributor and integrator. Their portfolio centers on rugged computing and satellite communications solutions for public safety, utilities, missionary organizations, and enterprise markets. The product lineup includes Getac rugged laptops and tablets (B360, V110, S410, F110, A140) and Panasonic Toughbook as core computing platforms, complemented by Iridium and MSATe satellite phones for off-grid communications, Peplink and Cradlepoint mobile routers for fleet connectivity, Printek and PocketJet mobile printers, Intrensic body cameras and fleet camera systems for law enforcement documentation, and comprehensive mounting solutions and installation services. They serve Federal, State, and Local government agencies, public utilities, medical facilities, and media organizations, offering both equipment sales and professional installation services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Getac B360 Rugged Laptop 13.3-inch fully rugged laptop offering full protection in a compact package with hot-swappable batteries, bright full HD touch display, and a three-year warranty including accidental damage coverage, sold to public safety and enterprise customers.
- Getac V110 Rugged Convertible Laptop & Tablet 11.6-inch fully rugged convertible laptop and tablet with IP65 rating, Core i7 processor, convertible design with multiple screen orientations, dual hot-swappable batteries, and a glove/wet-hand touch screen.
- Getac S410 Semi-Rugged Laptop 14-inch semi-rugged laptop designed for field and factory workers with high durability against falls and impacts, configurable options including barcode reader and triple battery.
- Getac F110 Rugged Tablet 11.6-inch fully rugged tablet with Intel Core i7 CPU and IP66 rating, designed for first responders and roaming service workers, with optional rugged keyboard and bright touch screen usable with gloves.
- Getac A140 Rugged Tablet Rugged tablet in the Getac lineup, designed for tough jobs requiring durable computing solutions for field and enterprise use.
- Panasonic Toughbook Rugged Laptops and Tablets Line of rugged laptops and tablets from Panasonic designed for demanding environments including public safety, utilities, and enterprise applications.
- Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone Satellite phone offering global coverage for voice communication in remote locations where cellular service is unavailable, targeted at government, public safety, and remote-area users.
- Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Satellite phone for voice and data communication in global remote areas.
- Iridium Go Exec Satellite Connectivity Device Satellite connectivity device enabling smartphone connectivity in remote areas.
- MSATe Satellite Services (Land Mobile Radio) Land Mobile Radio satellite services providing satellite-based push-to-talk communication solutions.
- Printek Interceptor I80 Mobile Printer Mobile printer designed for law enforcement and rugged field use, providing portable printing solutions in vehicles.
- PocketJet Mobile Printer Compact mobile printer for portable printing applications in field and on-the-go environments.
- Peplink Mobile Routers Cellular mobile routers for fleet vehicles, public safety, and enterprise mobility applications.
- Cradlepoint Mobile Routers Cellular routers for mobile connectivity solutions in vehicles and fleet operations.
- Intrensic BWC Body Cameras Body cameras for law enforcement and public safety agencies, providing evidence capture solutions.
- Fleet Camera Systems Camera systems for fleet vehicles enabling in-car video recording and monitoring for fleet and public safety applications.
- Vehicle Mounting Solutions Mounting equipment for vehicles enabling secure installation of computers, phones, and other technology in mobile environments.
- Satellite Airtime Service Plans Subscription airtime services for satellite devices including Iridium (Certus, Go!, GO! Exec, Phone, PTT), Inmarsat (BGAN, IsatPhone), Thuraya, BivyStick, MSAT G2, and SatCollect, offered as prepaid and postpaid plans.
- Professional Installation Services Professional installation services for rugged computing, satellite communication, and mobile networking equipment in vehicles and facilities, provided to government and enterprise customers.
- Financing and Leasing Financing and leasing options for equipment purchases, supporting government and enterprise procurement.
Companies that use Preferred Communications
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Preferred Communications technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Preferred Communications partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- GetaccorePreferred Communications is an authorized reseller of Getac rugged laptops and tablets including models B360, V110, S410, F110, and A140. Getac rugged computers are highlighted as best-in-class products with PC Magazine Editor's Choice awards.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Preferred Communications competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CDW Government (CDWG): CDW Government is a large IT and communications equipment distributor serving federal, state, and local agencies with rugged computing, networking, and mobility solutions. Directly comparable to Preferred Communications as a multi-vendor public-sector technology distributor, but at vastly larger scale and broader catalog.
- Connection Public Sector: Connection is an IT solutions provider with a dedicated public sector division distributing hardware, software, and communications equipment to government and education buyers. Comparable to Preferred as a multi-line IT/communications distributor into government, with broader product breadth and national reach.
- Insight Enterprises: Insight is a global IT solutions distributor serving enterprise and public sector clients with hardware, networking, and mobility products. Overlaps with Preferred Communications in rugged mobile computing and communications distribution to government and enterprise, though Insight operates at significantly larger scale.
- SHI International: SHI is a large IT reseller with deep public sector practice distributing laptops, networking gear, and mobility hardware to federal, state, and local agencies. Comparable to Preferred as a multi-vendor government technology distributor, but at enterprise scale with broader portfolio.
- SatCom Direct: SatCom Direct (now part of Satcom Direct Communications) provides satellite communications hardware, airtime, and managed services to aviation, government, and enterprise customers. Comparable to Preferred Communications in satellite equipment distribution and airtime services, though with greater aviation focus and larger scale.
Direct peers
- BearCom: BearCom is a nationwide integrator of two-way radios, wireless communications, and mobile computing solutions for public safety, utilities, and enterprise. Directly comparable to Preferred Communications as a specialized distributor/integrator serving public safety and utilities with rugged communications and computing equipment, plus installation services.
- Network Innovations: Network Innovations is a global satellite communications integrator and service provider distributing VSAT, LEO/GEO terminals, and managed satellite connectivity to government, enterprise, and remote operations customers. Directly comparable to Preferred as a satellite equipment distributor offering both hardware and recurring airtime services, though at broader geographic scale.
- Applied Satellite Technology (AST): Applied Satellite Technology supplies satellite communications equipment, airtime, and integration services across multiple verticals including government, maritime, and emergency response. Directly comparable to Preferred as a satellite phone and airtime distributor with installation services, though with UK and broader international footprint.
- Ground Control Systems: Ground Control Systems distributes satellite communication equipment including Iridium and Inmarsat terminals and airtime, with focus on rugged and remote connectivity use cases. Comparable to Preferred Communications as a satellite equipment distributor offering Iridium-based hardware and recurring airtime services to government and enterprise customers.
Emerging players
- Tangram Technology Solutions: Tangram Technology Solutions specializes in rugged computing, mobile printers, and in-vehicle technology for public safety and government fleets. Directly comparable to Preferred Communications as a niche integrator outfitting public safety vehicles with rugged mobile technology, though with narrower product lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Preferred Communications social profiles
Digital presencePreferred Communications financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Preferred Communications leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Preferred Communications funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Preferred Communications M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Preferred Communications
What does Preferred Communications do?
Preferred Communications distributes, sells, and installs rugged computing equipment (Getac and Panasonic Toughbook laptops and tablets), satellite communication devices (Iridium, Inmarsat, MSATe, Thuraya), mobile routers (Peplink, Cradlepoint), mobile printers (Printek, PocketJet), body and fleet cameras, and vehicle mounting solutions. The company also provides subscription satellite airtime services and professional installation for vehicles and facilities, serving federal, state, and local government agencies, public safety organizations, utilities, medical facilities, missionary organizations, and media.
Is Preferred Communications a public or private company?
Preferred Communications is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Preferred Communications founded?
Preferred Communications was founded in 1994. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Preferred Communications based?
Preferred Communications is headquartered in Butner, United States, in the North America region.
How does Preferred Communications make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are satellite Airtime Services and installation Services.
Who are Preferred Communications's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CDW Government (CDWG), Connection Public Sector, Insight Enterprises, SHI International and SatCom Direct. Direct peers are BearCom, Network Innovations, Applied Satellite Technology (AST) and Ground Control Systems. Tangram Technology Solutions is listed as an emerging player.
Does Preferred Communications have an API?
No public API is recorded for Preferred Communications.
What industry is Preferred Communications in?
Preferred Communications's product category is Rugged Computing & Satellite Communications Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of HDACAMAM, Tablet/Ultrabook Docking & Connectivity (Docks, Hubs, Adapters). Its NAICS code is 334220 and its SIC code is 3663.