Many companies considering push to talk over cellular (PoC) are concerned that the service is little more than what two-way radios offer. It’s an understandable concern.
Rest assured, you’ll find there are many more features available with PTT over cellular services than are with the average two-way radio.What is the Difference Between Push to Talk and Two-Way Radios?
Limitations of Two-Way Radios
While most people understand the function behind two-way radios, it is equally important to understand the limitations this type of communication represents, especially when it comes to key factors.
Key Factors Include:
- Distance
- Privacy
- Sound Quality
- Licensing Requirements
For a better understanding of these limitations and how PTT technology offers a superior option, we’ll discuss each one individually.
Distance Between All Parties
Most two-way radios have very limited range for communication. This means all parties must be within a certain distance of other members of the party in order to communicate with two-way radios. Even though some two-way radios advertise ranges of between 30 and 50 miles, the truth is most of them are not effective at those distances.
PoC communication, on the other hand, offers nationwide range because it operates over a 4G LTE network (which is the network the Peak PTT 4G Push To Talk Over Cellular Radio operates over). This means you can communicate with your Peak PTT radio anywhere there is cellular coverage.
Privacy of Communications
Two-way radios are open to anyone listening on a specific channel and within the designated range of your radio. It is open communication, which makes using it for business somewhat troublesome and private conversations among leadership, executives, etc. extremely impractical. Even if you think it is a private communication you never really know who is listening in.
PTT offers a more private option for communicating with your foreman, executives, and experts in the field, whether they’re communicating with a group of professionals or having a private conversation with a single member of the team.
Sound Quality
Most two-way radios are not equipped with special features to isolate and cancel out background or atmospheric noises. They are also subject to interference from trees and other structures.
These obstacles don’t provide the same degree of difficulty for PTT over cellular devices that operate over cellular signals and have noise-canceling technology as well as other features to enhance the quality of communication.
Licensing Requirements
Many business owners are unaware that the radio signals used in most two-way radios require a license from the FCC to operate. If you are operating on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies you are required to have a license to operate the radio. This license is not, however, required to purchase the radios.
There is no such requirement for push to talk over cellular and you will even find that the with the right equipment, PTT even meets DOT regulations as well for use in commercial vehicles.
Two-way radios can be fun tools for family outings and to communicate while exploring nature. Businesses, however, need the additional capabilities, security features, and privacy POC has to offer.
Peak PTT can help you identify the unique needs your business faces, so you can find the best POC fit to meet those needs. Call us today at 1-855-600-6161, email us at info@peakptt.com, or send us a message via our online form.