Two-way radios – what are they and how do they work?

As the communication tool of choice around the world, two-way radios are easy to use, offer an instant means by which to hear and be heard, and they’re also robust, reliable, clear and clever. Many people get them confused with walkie-talkies, and it’s easy to see why, but we’re here at Leversedge to clarify the difference between the two and help you to find the right communication solution for your business.

A walkie-talkie is a two-way radio, but a two-way radio is not always a walkie-talkie…at Leversedge, we offer a wide range of walkie-talkies, also known as License-Free Portables. Developed for military use in WWII and becoming available for commercial use thereafter, these simple but effective handheld radios use a simple push-to-talk system. Very basic versions are also used as children’s toys!

With many reputable brands available including Motorola, Kenwood and Hytera, this type of radio may be suitable for your requirements. They are popular for both leisure and commercial use, providing a low-cost, short-range radio service using a shared band of frequencies. If you think License-Free Portables may be suitable for your business, speak to a member of the Leversedge team to find out more.

If you’re looking for a system that’s much more sophisticated, we have the more advanced offering of two-way radios – used in many industries, both Analogue and Digital Portable radio variants are available. Analogue two-way radios are sophisticated pieces of equipment that minimise potential interference from other radio users with a licensed radio solution for a professional communication system throughout an entire business. Digital two-way radios go the extra mile by offering many additional features and functionalities, including supporting larger coverage areas, superior audio quality, enhanced security and prolonged battery life.

Both analogue and digital two-way radio communication devices are water and dust-proof, so they can be taken anywhere, even on building sites; intrinsically safe models are also available. They’re ideal for situations that require immediate responses and where a delay could be detrimental – the emergency services and the security industry are both great examples. With instant communication at each member of staff’s fingertips, you don’t have to go through the process of dialling, ringing, holding and answering to speak to someone – you push and speak, and users on the same frequency hear you instantly and clearly.

As an additional offering, lone workers get extra protection with two-way radios – if the radio is put into lone worker mode, this will sound a tone at regular intervals, and the user must respond – if they don’t, the other radios are alerted.

Commercial two-way radios are an excellent way to maintain communication and keep your business operating efficiently. There’s no delay in communication, they operate radio-to-radio independently from any other system, and they don’t overload or fail in bad weather, crisis or emergency situations like telephone lines can do. They’re even are able to operate without electricity and you can have your own exclusive frequency allocation for your business, keeping communications secure.

Commercial two-way radios are even more sophisticated than many people think – with an array of technologies, systems and types to choose from, contact Leversedge today to find out more. Whatever level of sophistication you require, our team can help you to find the ideal solution for your business, making you more effective, efficient and better connected.