Why Two-Way Radio?
Two-way radio is the preferred method of communication in many industries, including manufacturing, law enforcement, commercial transportation, hospitality, film production, utilities, and government.
This is because the benefits of two-way radio trump competing communication platforms in several important ways:
Reliability
When cell networks become overloaded during peak hours or emergencies, two-way radio continues to function. Furthermore, most radio infrastructure includes power redundancies in case of electrical outages. This often makes two-way radio the only means of rapid communication in the event of systemic power loss.
Enhanced Audio
Communication within industrial environments is often difficult due to background noise, but two-way radio uses noise-cancellation technology to increase clarity. Audio output is notably louder than most cellular alternatives. And while cellular systems often experience sound drop-offs and disconnections in large structures or underground, two-way radio systems can be set up with radio repeaters and distributed antenna systems to ensure voice clarity throughout a campus.
Easy Broadcasting
A “one-to-many” option allows everyone holding a radio to hear a transmission. This makes it easier to broadcast to everyone on a team and coordinate action. As a plus, it also discourages employees from abusing the communication network and wasting time by “goofing off.”
One-Time Investment
While cellular networks require monthly subscriptions and long contracts, radio only requires a one-time purchase and installation outlay. After that, the system is owned and operated by the purchasing party. The only other costs come from routine maintenance. Depending on size and scope, a two-way radio investment might pay for itself in just a few months compared with a cellular system.
For firms who need a short-term communications solution or simply do not wish to own a system, affordable two-way radio rentals are also available.
Durability
NNTN8383 INC RSM under waterTwo-way radios are designed with outdoor use in mind — meaning they perform better than cellular devices in a wider variety of environments. A 2014 report comparing communications network failure rates found that 4-8% of industrial two-way radios failed annually. In contrast, cellular devices fail at a rate of 18-20% annually and are not built with outdoor use in mind.
Productivity
A quality radio system increases the speed of communication, allowing mission-critical information to get through to the right people instantly. Rather than having to walk over to deliver a message in person or type out a text, one button press is all that is needed to get in touch. The ability to communicate instantly also reduces work stoppages in the event of mishaps, as personnel can be alerted quickly.
Accessories
Smartphones aren’t the only devices which feature a wide array of accessories. Users of two-way radios can invest in a variety of products to increase the comfort and ease of use of their systems. These include headsets, speakers, car mounts and even lapel microphones.
Evolving Technology
Radio manufacturers innovate to compete with other technologies and provide in-demand features. Newer radios come with GPS and location-tracking technology, especially helpful for dangerous jobs or when employers need to keep an eye on their employees’ movements. Other options include text messaging, call forwarding, and even instant notifications to report malfunctions and limit downtime.
Digitalization
The transition from analog to digital, apart from driving down the prices of two-way radio systems, has resulted in many other benefits. Using technology such as TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access), these include better noise reduction and voice clarity, extended range, more privacy controls, and longer battery life.
Two-way radios are helpful in many business environments, from construction sites, to underground mining operations, to college campuses, to manufacturing facilities. Greater audio volume, sturdiness, and even the ability to command more authority in emergency situations contribute to the versatility this technology.
If you’d like to explore how two-way radio can fit into your business, please contact us today.