There is no disputing that cellular phones have become a leading source of daily communication for people everywhere. Texting has become a quick and wildly popular form of communication with its own shortcuts and symbols that are like a language. However, two-way radio technology still continues to advance with new products coming out all the time because of its continued usefulness in the public and private sectors. Here are three essential reasons for you to consider using two-way radios:
Durability
Whether you are on a construction site, out on a hike through the wilderness, boating on a lake, or working in a warehouse, two-way radios beat cell phones for durability. Models specifically made for marine use can be waterproof, and they even float. Weather-resistant and weatherproof models can take the heat, cold, rain and snow as well as dunks into water. Different IP ratings for water and dust intrusion along with shock/vibration protection for fall durability are available. Even ruggedized cell phones are no match for industrial two-way radios.
Instant Group Communications
Cell phone texting can be used for quick group messages, but the amount of information per text is very limited. Using too much text shorthand or abbreviations can result in confusion among the group members who receive the texts. Calling each person in a group takes too much time. “Two-way radios can broadcast any length of verbal message instantly by the simple press of the push-to-talk (PTT) switch on the radio,” said Kay Communications. Everyone who has a radio receives the message and can immediately respond. Managers can have groups operate on different channels. A manager can address any specific group by simply switching to their channel. Scanning capability in modern radios permits monitoring multiple frequencies at one time.
No Monthly Fees
There is no doubt that cell phones are an extremely useful and popular form of communication. However, cell phones also come with monthly service fees. The rate plans for phones often offer unlimited talk and texting options, but data charges almost always have limits. Extra data is still quite expensive for many plans. Using cell phones for business use in warehouses, retail environments or among groups in close proximity, such as in the same building or on the same campus, is not cost-effective.
Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies are included on most recreational handheld two-way radios for hunting, hiking and other general use activities. FRS frequencies do not require a license to use them. Another popular frequency band is the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. GMRS frequencies do require an FCC license, but one license is good for an entire family. Business and family licenses are good for years, and they do not have monthly fees.
