Qwake Technologies is working with the Department of Homeland Security to test out the device in a real-world environment. 80 fire departments across the country will receive the device to test out. Austin Fire Department and Round Rock Fire Department are both part of this program.

So far, ten of the eighty departments have gotten the technology. Each C-Thru costs about $8,500, which Cossman said is less than the current generation of walkie-talkies used by many departments. The devices are not currently for sale.

“It is the first iPhone for the fire industry. Like this is a watershed moment,” Cossman said.