When automobiles were first invented, consumers were sceptical about its ability to replace horses as the main transport medium. In the same way, rumours of cancer-causing 5G antennas spread like wild-fire. It's no surprise that the introduction of PoC radios have faced similar setbacks.
Throughout our existence, new inventions and new ways of doing things better have always been met with fierce opposition, Here are 7 common misconceptions about Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) radios, which we will be dispelling in this blog.
- Unreliable Coverage: Some may believe that PoC radios are limited by cellular coverage and may not work well in remote or areas with poor signal strength. However, advancements in cellular networks have improved coverage significantly. Take a look at the standard cellular coverage map (below) to dispel this misconception. Cellular coverage is everywhere, and thus, your PoC radio will work wherever you work, live or play. Additionally, PoC radios also connect with Wi-Fi, allowing you the option to extend your own coverage when needed. While cellular coverage exists abundantly in Canada, some customers have reported using cell boosters in their vehicles or buildings to improve their coverage in rare cases where cellular coverage has been scanty. The option to reinforce your coverage in areas with poor signal is a very affordable advantage when compared with the costs associated with improving coverage when using traditional two way radios (also called LMR in Canada). Learn more about the nationwide connectivity of PoC radios.
- Complexity: There might be a misconception that PoC radios are complicated to use or set up. In reality, many PoC devices are user-friendly and require minimal training. If you have used a two way radio before or a smartphone, you will find that PoC radios to be much easier in comparison. PoC radio users simply need to learn how to push-to-talk and change channels (commonly called "groups" in PTT Apps). Most of the complication may exist in the dispatch and management platforms, where a designated staff of your company can be trained on the simple interactions necessary to manage your own PoC network. In most cases, companies that choose to incorporate dispatch and PTT management already have some level of familiarity with how those systems work to ensure a well coordinated communication network considering their large number of users. These include logistics, taxi, private security companies and so on.
- Costly Data Usage: Some individuals may think that using PoC radios will result in high data charges. While data usage is involved, the consumption is generally reasonable, especially with efficient data compression technologies. For instance, for $25 a month, you can talk endlessly if you get the plan offered by our distributor, cwsupply. This cost also gives you subscription to the PTT app services. For $15 a month, they also offer the cellular data you need for all your voice PTT communications in a month. However for obvious reasons, costs associated with videos communications in PoC radios may attract higher charges. If all you need is voice PTT communications, minimal video and other rich tracking and management features that PoC delivers, then your costs are far cheaper than any alternative, including when compared with traditional two way radios and even smartphones. The image below is an overview of the charges offered by our distributor, cwsupply. Learn more about our cellular plans and bundles.
- Security Concerns: There could be concerns about the security of communication over cellular networks. However, modern PoC systems often employ encryption and other security measures to safeguard transmissions. Inrico for instance employs a high level of encryption with AES-256 encryption key for PoC communications. AES-256 is unbreakable by brute force. It is the strongest encryption and is almost impossible to break.
- Limited Integration: Some may think that PoC radios cannot integrate with existing communication systems or traditional two-way radios. In reality, many PoC solutions offer integration capabilities. For instance, Inrico offers the DR10 Gateway device, which is capable of acting like a repeater to bridge the gap. This device is able to merge your traditional two way radio system with your PoC network seamlessly. Learn more about the DR10 Gateway.
- Not Rugged Enough: People may assume that PoC radios are not as rugged or durable as traditional two-way radios, making them unsuitable for harsh environments. However, many PoC devices are designed to meet robust durability standards. All Inrico PoC radios are built for toughness, and are engineered to operate in up to -10°C. However, we don't yet have PoC radios that are Intrinsically Safe at the moment.
- Dependence on Wi-Fi: There might be a misconception that PoC radios heavily rely on Wi-Fi for communication. While Wi-Fi can be used, PoC radios primarily leverage cellular networks for broader coverage. PoC radios give you the freedom to use either Wi-fi or cellular for your PTT communications, allowing you to gain nationwide coverage.
It's crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements in communication technology to dispel misconceptions and make informed decisions that will no doubt help improve your business, especially the productivity and safety of your resources.
Reach out to us for a chat about your needs, or browse our website to find your next PoC radio.