Two-Way Radios Demystified

There are certain beliefs about two-way radios that just aren't true. These "false beliefs" may keep an organization from making a small investment in radios that could greatly increase their business profits and improve customer satisfaction. Here are some common two-way radio misconceptions, and we'll debunk every one of them!

Two-Way Radios Are Too Expensive

There are radios for every budget, from family-friendly Motorola Talkabout radios and sleek, sophisticated Motorola CLS radios for discreet business use to beefy, indestructible Motorola RDX business radios. Certain models, like the Talkabouts and the Motorola DLR digital radios, don't require an FCC license to operate, making them even less expensive. Furthermore, these are one-time investments that can be used for years without any cell phone service agreement or surcharges. Also, they reliably cover any area within the range of the handheld units, as opposed to cell phones that may have spotty coverage in certain areas. Over the long-term, walkie-talkies are the cheaper option.

An FCC License is Hard to Get and Expensive

For companies using UHF or VHR radios, you will need to obtain a license to operate those radios. However, each license is good for 10 years, and they can be easily obtained online via the FCC Universal Licensing System. Also, if you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining a license, you can call us here at Tech Wholesale and we'll help walk you through it.

If you don't want to be bothered with getting an FCC license, there are excellent license-free options. For personal use, family use and community radios, we highly recommend the Motorola Talkabout Series. The Motorola RMM2050 is a robust business radio that operates on MURS frequencies, which is also a license-free frequency band.

Two-Way Radio Sound Quality Isn't as Good as Phone Quality

This certainly isn't true anymore. Walkie-talkies offer immediate sound transfer, though the optimal radios for your use will depend upon your environment and the range required. The latest digital radios, such as the Motorola DLR Series radios and Motorola DTR radios, use advanced technology for pristine, crystal clear signals that are transmitted digitally, with zero background noise.

With Two-Way Radios, You Can't Get Extra Features

Once again, the latest digital technology offers many of the features of cell phones but without the service charges and spotty coverage. This includes group calls or individual calling, text messaging, GPS, caller ID, call forwarding, long battery life, remote monitoring, daily alarms and more. In addition, many of the digital models meet strict military specifications for durability and toughness in extreme environments.

The Coverage of a Two-Way Radio Isn't Good Enough

Many walkie-talkie models, such as the Motorola CLP Series and Motorola RDX radios, can be used with a two-way radio repeater, which can be used to greatly expand the range of the handheld radios. Multiple repeaters can be used to cover an entire city. The internet can be used to connect sites around the country.

Only Large Organizations Use Two-Way Radios

This is definitely one of the biggest radio myths. These days, you'll find walkie-talkies in use at small cafes and restaurants, by friends on a skiing holiday and by community watchdog groups. Families will use two-way radios on a camping trip or at a theme park. In fact, family radios are a great way to make sure kids don't get lost at the mall.

Walkie-Talkies and Two-Way Radios Are Too Big

That may have been true for radios designed 20 years ago, but definitely not now! Look at your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy and now look at the Motorola CLP1080e radio, which measures 3.5 by 2.0 by .75 inches. Or check out the digital Motorola DTR700, which is 5.2 by 2.3 by 1.4 inches. Lean and mean is the way of the future!