Mobile vs. portable radio: which should you choose?
Such is the popularity – and complexity – of modern mobile phones that’s it’s easy to overlook the benefits of two-way radios when weighing up which solution to choose to improve your communications.
Mobiles may have become the go-to option in many walks of life, but two-way radios (which have evolved significantly since the dubious ‘walkie talkies’ of the twentieth century) offer some distinct advantages.
Robust build for any setting
As anyone who has ever dropped one will know, mobile phones are incredibly fragile. There are good reasons why tech reviewers subject new models to drop tests upon launch. Often, these tests reveal the fragility of mobiles, even when subjected to small falls; repairs are usually expensive.
In contrast, two-way radios are incredibly robust and are manufactured with durability and strength in mind. A radio will typically withstand drops from height, pressure from heavyweights, and general wear and tear. In fact, they are designed for constant on-the-go use, including in outdoor, damp, or warm environments, so they promise greater longevity than the average mobile phone, often at a fraction of the price.
Group calling made easy
When conversing with a group of people by mobile phone, especially to communicate information urgently, the use of mobile phones poses some practical challenges. Multiple phone calls or text messages takes time and increases the chance of misunderstandings between group members. Texts may also be missed, meaning key staff don’t receive the information they need.
A two-way radio enables group calling, so everyone in a team is instantly connected at the touch of a button. With several people in a single conversation, it’s easier for them to ask questions or seek clarification, while messages are conveyed instantly. When delivering critical services or in an emergency, this is particularly important.
Superior durability
Two-way radios are designed to last, even when used every day for many hours. In comparison, a mobile phone often needs replacing after three years, which is far less than the 10 years of reliable service that a radio offers.
Regular maintenance is, of course, key to the durability of two-way radios, so always ensure that you arrange annual servicing for your equipment to increase its lifespan.
Greater cost-efficiency
Mobile phones are usually paid for monthly, which must be factored into your business’s long-term finances. With multiple phones required for a large team, the cost can rapidly soar.
Two-way radios are usually purchased with a single payment, giving you clearer oversight of your finances. Initially the cost of a radio system may be more than for mobile phones, but the superior longevity of radios means you’ll pay a fraction of the cost over time, making them a far more attractive proposition.