In the fast-paced landscape in which businesses operate, effective communication is paramount to an optimised workforce. This is especially true of mission-critical industries like emergency services and oil & gas work, where coordination, safety, and efficiency are critical to making split-second decisions.
When considering the ideal communication infrastructure, many business owners can be discouraged by the archaic stereotype that radios only have a bulky exterior, limited capabilities and old-fashioned, inconvenient antennas. This design is a thing of the past, with the best walkie-talkies encapsulating sleek and sophisticated design, with top-of-the-range radio technology. Manufacturers like Motorola Solutions for instance have continued to innovate with two-way radio technologies like increased durability and mission-critical location tracking just to name a few. As a result, more businesses are now opting for two-way radio models, as their durable designs enable cost-effective, reliable and clear communications.
With this in mind, what are the top benefits and other advantages of two-way radio communications? Why should you consider upgrading your business communications? In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 benefits of using two-way radios for enhancing communication.
1. Instantaneous Communication
Unlike with modern mobile phones which require a stored or entered dialled number, communication through two-way radio is facilitated easily. With one touch, the receiver will hear this message instantaneously – meaning there is no requirement for them to accept the call on the other end, which increases the speed of communication hugely. In time critical environments in which a lot of two-way radios are utilised, this level and speed of communication is key.
Many radios are also created with internal functions to communicate urgent alerts, such as “Man-Down” for example, to alert everyone on the frequency that an emergency has occurred. This alert is instantaneous, doesn’t require the checking of a pager or similar device, and ensures that the affected party is assisted as soon as possible. These safety features are hugely important for many personnel that might utilise two-way radio systems and prevent and minimise disruption and casualty as much as possible.
There is also an almost universal ‘radio speak’ language, that enables short and clear messages to be communicated quickly across radio, for example:
“Over”
This is used when the user has finished their communication, to allow the receiver to respond without their communications overlapping.
“Stand by”
This is used to inform a receiver that a message or action will shortly take place, and to not make any communications as these may overlap and be subsequently missed.
“Roger”
This is used intermittently with “Affirmative” – both of which signal that the receiver has understood the communicated message and will act upon the command if necessary.
2. Enhanced Communication Clarity
Seamless call clarity is a top priority for businesses as it limits misunderstanding of important operational details and maximizes the small window to make split-second decisions. This is something the best walkie-talkie models deliver tenfold. Unlike mobile communications that rely on service connection, portable radios eliminate the risk of low-quality calls from surrounding interference.
Two-way radios like the MOTOTRBO™ R7 have been created with this clarity in mind and integrate premium technology to minimise interference. This includes smart adaptive audio features that reduce disruptive background sound even in the noisiest of settings, and automatic suppression on any radio frequency feedback.
This ensures clear and efficient communications across large distances, troubling terrain and in critical conditions.
3. Minimal Service Reliance
As mentioned above, personal phones commonly rely on unpredictable service capabilities and as a result, connection issues are frequent. In emergency situations, the overloading of cellular networks can become a distinct possibility. Unlike landlines and mobiles, the use of portable radio frequency systems mean that two-way radios also offer huge flexibility advantages. The radio waves are transferred through the air and are highly adaptable, as they can be directed through reflection and retraction.
4. Highly Durable
Unlike mobile phones which are made slimline and often entirely of premium glass materials, two-way radios are built to last and to withstand industrial use. The best walkie-talkie models such as the MOTOTRBO series from Motorola Solutions are also made with Ingress Protection (IP). This ensures that exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, drops from great heights and immersion in water poses no threat to the durable models. With two-way radios, communication, even in the toughest of environments, can still take place.
5. Cost Effective and Wide-Spread Communication
Whilst many phones come with limited warranty, two-way radios are also built to last for the long term. This means that in the long run they do not have to be replaced as frequently as mobile phones, and therefore save businesses cost in the long run. Not only this, but due to the use of radio frequencies, no monthly service payment is required to keep these models running.
Due to the absence of service requirements, radio frequency systems mean that non-service zones are not an issue. This enables radio communications that can stretch across large distances as well as cover business operations in more rural and remote locations. Teams will always be connected.
6. Ease of Use
Enabling communication at the touch of a button, the best walkie talkie models are perfect for facilitating ease of use and improving workforce safety. In addition to generally simple operation, many models like the dp4400 feature an emergency programmable button that can be pressed for assistance as well as GPS tracking and a man-down feature. This will alert other receivers should a radio not device not be activated after a certain amount of time. These features, amongst other model-specific features, pose two-way radio solutions as an effective and simplistic way to communicate over large distances using advanced radio frequency systems.
7. Lightweight Models
Gone are the days of heavyweight models and ill-thought design. Two-way radios have adapted with communication functionalities and requirements, and are often small, light-weight and portable to enable communication wherever the user is. This lightweight nature ensures that personnel’s work capabilities are not impacted by the requirement to carry heavy-weight equipment, and can be used in a range of environments as a result
8. Group Functionality
Due to the radio frequencies and signalling that two-way radios are based upon, multiple people can engage in a single conversation at one time. By programming a group of radios to the same frequencies, two-way radios facilitate group functionality, which is great for teams from a range of industries such as the military, the emergency services, security teams and even in schools and retail settings.
The option to enable group functionality is not only highly convenient, but this is also time and cost effective. In the time that you can communicate your message across the frequency to the group, this (in the case of mobile phones or other communicative devices) would only cover the length of time required for one phone call. This cuts calling time and service costs by a huge degree and therefore facilitates a more efficient working environment.
9. Long Battery Life
The average battery life of mobile devices, especially if used consistently and over a long period, is drastically short. This creates unreliable communications for personnel and means that the devices they use to communicate are often out of use whilst charging. Not only does this increase the costs of a business, as multiple devices are required to be purchased to ensure the communications are covered even during these down times, but also means that devices are charged much more frequently than if they were being used for personal use – often leading to replacement batteries being needed, and therefore more cost.
Two-way radio battery life, however, has drastically increased in recent years. Some models like the Motorola XT185 can maintain a battery life of over twenty-four hours, meaning that the same radio can be used on multiple shifts by multiple people without having to account for charging time – saving on time and costs.
10. Mission Critical Usage
Unlike mobile phones, it is legal to use a two-way radio whilst you are driving – as long as you place proper focus on the road ahead of you. This is great for emergency services, for example, who need to make critical calls whilst driving at speed, and so require a model with these capabilities.
Using two-way radios rather than mobiles on the roads eliminates a huge danger not only for the users of the radios, but also everyone using the roads at that time – providing a great alternative for these users.
Some two-way radio solutions available at Minerva include portable models such as the MOTOTRBO SL 4010e, MOTOTRBO DP3441e, Applications to provide radio services such as Smart PTT and TRBOnet , as well as TETRA technologies, that includes the MXP600 and ST7000. Many portable models offer Bluetooth connectivity, location tracking, integrated WiFi and a full-range of safety features.
Overall, two-way radio models present a huge number of benefits to those in business or those working in difficult terrain. With a wide range of models to choose from here at Minerva we can discuss your needs with you to find the perfect model. For a full list of available two-way radio solutions, get in touch with us now