The truth is, analogue radio is still here to stay, despite popular belief. It’s not like analogue TV that became obsolete by digital advancement. Analogue radio continues to serve a significant purpose in the industry. However, there are advantages to keeping in the know with your wireless communications. Let’s explore the future of two-way radio communications.
Where is analogue Two-Way radio heading?
Analogue radio is heavily in use. So much so that some users in metropolitan areas are being refused a license by Ofcom. To deal with the issue, Ofcom allocated a further 4 frequencies to Business Radio licenses in 2017. In 2018, they extended the bandwidth for License Free radios from 446.0-446.1 to 446.0-446.2MHz. So, what about 2023? These changes have alleviated the issue of channel interference to some degree. However, it’s still a problem that plagues the majority of analogue radio users with no real solution in the pipeline. Regulations that govern radio communications, restrict you to a maximum range of around 10-12 miles. (Best case scenario for 5W radios) So what is the future of two-way radio communications?
So, what about digital?
Digital radios are far less in use as it’s a relatively new technology to the last decade. This means a digital radio offers you an almost completely interference free channel selection. You also get superior audio without any background noise, making your communications far clearer. There are many additional features to digital radios that are not available on analogue. These could help you cover health and safety requirements and increase productivity within your business. Digital is definitely worth your consideration moving forward. If you’re just starting to use two-way radios or upgrading your existing analogue setup. And digital radios have more reliable coverage and give you enhanced voice quality at the push of range. This means you’ll transmit slightly further than your analogue counterpart.
And after digital comes…?
Two-way radio communication is fast moving into the POC (Push to talk Over Cellular) industry. The use of wireless transmission using cellular data means there is no interference whatsoever. And depending on your software, communications are completely secure. POC radios are ideal for growing businesses. This is because technology now allows us to incorporate all that a business requires into one device. You can have truly national communications because range is not restricted. You can communicate instantly from one warehouse in London to another over in Edinburgh just as if you were standing in the same room. And with POC, radio black spots are a problem of the past – no repeaters required. You can use PC software to mimic control room capabilities, overseeing users with GPS, and establishing group and emergency calls in seconds.
You can choose to have a device that looks like a standard two-way radio in appearance, to keep things simple. Or one that’s as common as a Samsung smart phone, with all its capabilities included. If you’re looking to get ahead of the game for your business, POC radios are the future of two-way radio communications.
