Icom Incorporated

Lore & Background

Icom was founded in 1954 by Tokuzo Inoue with the original company name 'Inoue'. The company is known for developing two key digital radio protocols: IDAS and D-STAR. IDAS is Icom's implementation of the NXDN protocol for two-way digital radio products intended for commercial Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) and low-end public safety communications systems. NXDN was developed jointly by Icom and Kenwood Corporation. D-STAR is an open radio system developed by Icom based on digital radio protocols developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League and funded by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, designed to provide advanced voice and data communications over amateur radio using open standards.

Icom manufactures two-way radios and receivers for marine, airband, amateur radio, land mobile, and FRS/GMRS applications. Some of its radios are compatible with Motorola and SmarTrunk trunking systems. The IC-V82, a VHF handheld transceiver covering the two-meter band with a maximum output power of 7 watts, was manufactured and sold from 2004 to 2014. Following its discontinuation, Icom issued an advisory warning about counterfeit radios, including the IC-V82, and in October 2018 issued a cease-and-desist order against a Chinese manufacturer suspected of producing counterfeit Icom products.

In June 2022, United Against Nuclear Iran identified the Icom IC-V82 as being used by Hezbollah, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, and sent a letter to Icom outlining concerns about the radios' dual-use capability and Icom's business ties to Power Group (Icom's representatives in Lebanon) and Faza Gostrar, which claims to be the 'Official ICOM representative in Iran'. Many devices purchased by Hezbollah that subsequently exploded in the 2024 Lebanon radio device explosions, killing at least 25 people and wounding over 708, were reported as being IC-V82s. Icom opened an investigation into the case on 19 September 2024, while a sales executive at the company's U.S. subsidiary said the radios involved appeared to be counterfeit units.

Reader's Guide

Icom's significance lies in its long-standing role as a Japanese manufacturer of radio equipment for diverse users, from amateur radio operators to professional land mobile and maritime applications. The company's development of the IDAS and D-STAR protocols reflects its contribution to digital radio standards, with D-STAR being an open system funded by the Japanese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and developed in collaboration with the Japan Amateur Radio League. Icom's global presence, with branch offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, underscores its international reach.

The legacy of the IC-V82 model illustrates both the company's market penetration and the challenges it faces with counterfeit products. The model's association with Hezbollah and the 2024 Lebanon radio device explosions has drawn significant attention, with Icom opening an investigation and its U.S. subsidiary suggesting the units involved may be counterfeit. This incident highlights the dual-use nature of such equipment and the complexities of international distribution. Icom's continued production of radios compatible with Motorola and SmarTrunk systems demonstrates its integration into broader industry ecosystems.

Did You Know?

• Icom was founded in 1954 by Tokuzo Inoue under the original company name 'Inoue'.
• The Icom IC-V82 was manufactured and sold from 2004 to 2014.