Push to Talk Over Cellular (POC): Key Terminology Explained

Push to talk (PTT) is not exactly recent technology. It has been around for a while. But with cellular networks adding to the mix, it’s catching on as a viable communication tool for businesses in a variety of industries, however.

Whether you are new to push to talk over cellular (PoC) technology or are trying to learn more about it, understanding the following terminology may help you get more mileage from your PoC experience.

PTT:  Acronym for push to talk. Describes the ability to use certain devices, or even mobile phones operating Android or Apple operating systems, to communicate with a single person or a group of people with the push of a single button.

POC:  Acronym for push to talk over cellular. Refers to using cellular signals to offer push to talk services. Relying on cellular signals instead of radio frequencies allows businesses to engage in conversations that offer greater privacy and security than traditional two-way radios.

Android: The operating system used by Android phones and one of the operating systems that accommodates Peak PTT apps so that workers in your organizations can transform their mobile phones into push to talk over cellular devices.

iOS:  Another operating system, this one used by Apple phones that allows them to be transformed into POC devices.

4G LTE: It may sound like a bunch of numbers and letters to you. However, they represent the nationwide network upon which Peak PTT services are delivered. It is the latest technology available meaning that you’re using next-generation tools to fuel communication for your business when you make the switch to Peak PTT for your communication needs.  If you ever wondered, LTE stand for Long Term Evolution.

Call Bursts: Short calls, usually shorter than one minute in duration, that convey information quickly, so team members can get back to work. These calls may be private, between you and one other person, or group calls with your entire team.

DOT Compliance:  The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict rules related to commercial motor vehicles and cell phone use. Because certain push to talk over PC devices require only one button to be pressed to initiate, accept, or make calls, these devices are compliant with DOT regulations as long as they are located where drivers can access the devices without needing to reach for them. According to DOT rules, walkie-talkies, and two-way radios are allowed.  Furthermore, there is no dialing of phone numbers, and the PTT device is operated by the use of a single button.

Group Calls:  Calls with a large group of people over great distances.

GMRS: General Mobile Radio Service is a frequency designation for short-distance communications via two-way radio. It is regulated by the FCC and a license is required to operate radios using this frequency in the United States. Licenses are not required to use push to talk over cellular, however.

GPS: Stands for Global Positioning Satellite. It is the system of satellites used to provide precise, real-time location information on the members of your team who have Peak PTT devices or apps activated. This means that your PTT radio doubles as a GPS tracker. It is an impressive tool to help with dispatch, handling emergencies, and locating team members for status and location updates throughout their shifts.

Land Mobile Radio System (LMR):  A term that describes two-way radio systems used by government agencies, commercial entities and other organizations for communication.

Range: The distances between which one device can communicate with the next. With even the most advanced two-way radios, the maximum distance will be about 30 miles. Push to talk over cellular operates over 4G LTE networks extending your range to the entire nation.

Panic Button: The Peak PTT-84G has a panic button, that when pressed will alert your dispatch center of the alert as well as the location.

Peak 4G Push to Talk Radio: Push to talk radio featuring a rugged design and allowing you to communicate with your selected groups or private individuals instantly, with the push of a button.

PC Dispatch Control Software:  From any PC – take control, view live locations, receive emergency SOS notifications, as well as replay all recorded transmissions.
Peak PTT-84G push to talk radio features PC Dispatch Control software, for simple voice dispatching, GPS tracking with route playback, user location view, and call message history. With Peak PTT PC dispatch software, you can have one, or multiple dispatchers located in different locations, communicating to your field workers.

PTT-84G: Model number for the Peak 4G push to talk radio. The device features PC dispatch control software, GPS tracking and route playback, call message history, and real-time location viewing.

PTT/cellular call interaction: Allows a PTT subscriber to put a PTT call on hold to answer an incoming cellular call.

Two-Way Radios: Before push to talk, there were two-way radios. These devices offered limited privacy and security but did allow groups to communicate over distances. POC has provided one giant leap forward in the evolution of group communications.

Understanding the terminology explained above should help you get greater value from your push to talk over cellular decision or get off the fence if you’re still undecided.

Contact Peak PTT with all your questions, and we will be happy to show you the many ways PTT technology can benefit your business in your industry. Call us at 855-600-6161 or email us at  info@peakptt.com.