Effective communication in schools is more important than ever. Whether it’s coordinating staff during busy lunch times, managing site security or safeguarding pupils, two-way radios are a quick and reliable way to stay connected. However, there’s a key question that arises once you decide on investing in a two-way radio: should you choose licensed or licence-free radios?
What are licence-free radios?
License-free radios use a dedicated set of frequencies and do not require an Ofcom licence to use. They are often the first choice for schools when considering two-ways radios, however, it’s important to understand the pros and cons.
Advantages
- No paperwork or licence fees
- Affordable, quick and easy to set up
- Compact lightweight and easy to use by staff
- Ideal for small sites and playgrounds
Limitations
- Limited range (1-2km on average and less indoors)
- Susceptible to interference
- Easy to eavesdrop from other licence-free devices
- Basic functionality compared to licenced radios
Best for: Smaller schools and areas where short-range, occasional communication is enough, and other people potentially listening in is not an issue.
What are licenced radios?
Licenced radios use frequencies purchased from Ofcom, allowing for a more robust and secure communication network for schools.
Advantages
- Strong coverage that provides communication between campuses and multiple buildings
- Clear audio with minimal interference
- Advanced safety features, e.g. lone worker, emergency alarm, GPS tracking
- Scalable for larger teams and busy environments
- Can be tailored to your specific requirements
Limitations
- Requires and Ofcom licence that start from approximately £75 every 5 years
- Higher upfront investment
- Needs professional set up and programming
Best for: Larger schools with multiple buildings and/or where privacy of communications is essential.
Summary
|
Feature |
Licence-Free Radios (PMR446) |
Licensed Radios (Ofcom Licence) |
|
Cost |
Lower upfront, no licence fees |
Higher upfront, licence costs from £75/5 years |
|
Range |
Limited (1–2 km, less indoors) |
Extended coverage, multiple buildings and campuses |
|
Interference |
Shared public channels, prone to interference/snooping |
Private, secure frequencies with minimal disruption |
|
Features |
Basic push-to-talk only |
Advanced features, e.g. emergency alerts, lone worker, tracking |
|
Scalability |
Small teams, single-site schools |
Large teams, complex or multi-site campuses |
|
Setup |
Plug-and-play |
Professionally installed for reliability |
|
Best For |
Smaller schools, playground duty, occasional use |
Larger schools, frequent use, privacy required |
Key Considerations for Schools
When deciding between licence-free and licenced radios, schools should consider:
- The size of the school’s site – Do your radios need to cover multiple buildings or just a playground?
- Number of staff users – Large teams often need scalability for licenced radios
- Safeguarding requirements – Do your staff need emergency features and/or secure, private channels?
- Budget vs Longevity – Licence-free radios are a cheaper upfront cost, however licenced radios deliver a better, long-term value.
The choice between licence-free vs licenced radios depends on your school’s size, safeguarding requirements and long-term needs. Whilst smaller schools might find licence-free radios sufficient for their needs, larger schools will typically benefit from licenced radios.
At 2CL, we specialise in providing tailored two-way radio solutions across the UK.
Why trust us with your communication needs? We deliver:
- Expert advice helping decision makers choose between licensed and licence-free radios
- On-site trials and demonstrations so staff can test radios before purchase
- Professional programming and installation for licensed systems
- Ongoing maintenance and support to keep radios reliable for years to come
Get in touch with 2CL today to discuss the best two-way radio solution for your school by filling out the form below or calling us on 023 8064 8500. We look forward to speaking with you.
Also see
- Sectors: Education
- Case Study: Park Community School
- News: Hampshire County Council Audio Visual Framework Supplier
- Crown Commercial Framework