Astra Communications traces its roots to the Bassett family’s longstanding presence in Southern California’s industrial and communications markets. After Bill Bassett and his wife Marilyn acquires an established Manufacturer Representative in 1956, the business evolves into Bassett & Moore in 1958, expanding its offerings to two-way communication products by 1970.

Scott Bassett, son of Bill Bassett, current CEO of The Bassett Sales Corporation, and President and CEO of Astra Communications, joins the company in the early 1970s while completing his studies at USC.

In 1981, Bassett & Moore becomes The Bassett Sales Corporation, and creates Astra in 1983 as a DBA, seizing the opportunity to buy and resell cellular on-glass antennas amid supply chain challenges.

In 1987, Scott Bassett and his brother, Craig Bassett, acquire The Bassett Sales Corporation and its DBA, Astra, from their father, Bill Bassett, who exits the company.

Astra is incorporated in California and becomes Astra Communications, Inc. The company is designated an exclusive Motorola Authorized Distributor of jobsite radio and accessories products in Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. Northern California and Northern Nevada are added to the company’s territory.

 

A Burbank, California commercial property at 1101 Chestnut Street is acquired, gutted and remodeled in 2003. The property becomes the corporate headquarters for The Bassett Sales Corporation, and the corporate headquarters and distribution center for Astra Communications, Inc.

In 2004, Astra Communications, Inc’s exclusive territory is expanded to include Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. 

The Bassett Sales Corporation is split between Scott and Craig Bassett in 2018; and a third company, Bassett Communications, Inc. is formed.

Craig Bassett assumes ownership of the newly formed Bassett Communications, Inc. which includes all wireless communications and non-Motorola two-way radio products previously represented by The Bassett Sales Corporation.

In 2018, Scott Bassett takes control of The Bassett Sales Corporation and Astra Communications, Inc., which now focuses on the physical security and residential development industries and the Motorola two-way communications portfolio, respectively. 

Astra Communications aquires Axcess Technology, a Motorola Value-Added Distributor, and merges its operations with Astra’s. This acquisition adds Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Tennessee to the company’s territory.

A 43,000 square foot commercial property in Carrollton, Texas is acquired in 2022, and serves as one of two distribution centers and a showroom for Astra Communications, Inc.

Astra Communications’ territory is expanded again in 2023, adding Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. In the process, the company releases its interest in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and western Tennessee.

In 2024, an extensive remodel of Astra Communications’ Burbank, California headquarter begins, placing a spotlight on the company’s state-of-the-art facility, including its training and video production capabilities.

Astra Communications enters its final stage of renovations for its headquarter facility.