The Biggest Misconceptions about Two-Way Radios
Two-way radios have changed a lot in the last few years, and they’re not all the big clunky things that might spring to mind when you think of walkie talkies. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions about them, and the reality!
“They’re only good for voice communication”
Although voice communication is an important function of two-way radios, digital radios can do so much more than that with the additional features and applications offered by many radio manufacturers. Here are just some of the most popular extra features available:
- Text/email gateway
- GPS
- Man Down
- Group call/All call
- Lone Worker
- Private call
- Transmit interrupt
- Emergency calls
“I might as well get a smart phone instead”
Many people assume that the sound quality of a two-way radio is not as good as a mobile phone. In fact the opposite is true – two-way radios offer immediate sound transfer, and many digital radios have noise cancelling technology to reduce background noise and ensure your message is received loud and clear.
Mobile phones are also much less reliable in many environments and can be more expensive. You will also benefit from more secure networks and a longer battery life if you choose two-way radios. To read more about the pros and cons of radios vs. smart phones, click here.
“The coverage is poor”
If your two-way radio can’t transmit as far as you need it to by itself, there are a number of options to extend the coverage. Repeaters can boost your radio coverage by providing a clear path around obstacles and shortening the distance between radios.
If extensive coverage is required, repeaters can be IP linked to provide wide area coverage on systems so whole cities can be covered.
We also offer 2CL Talk, a UK-wide digital communication system which utilises 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi. This is perfect for communicating between two sites or keeping in touch with workers who are on the move. Read more about 2CL Talk here.
“They’re too expensive”
With two-way radios there are no ongoing costs to pay, just a one-time payment for the radio itself, so they can often be cheaper than alternative wireless communication systems. There is also the cost of an OfCom license – a general UK licence costs £75 for five years, and we can take care of all the paperwork involved in getting a licence on your behalf. Click here to read more.
If purchasing is out of your budget, we also offer short and long term hire of radio equipment.
“They’re too big and bulky”
Two-way radios are constantly evolving, and although some radios designed to be used in rugged environments do tend to be bigger and heavier, some other radios are smaller than an average smart phone, lightweight, and easy to carry with you throughout the day.
