Two-Way Radios: Mobile Versus Portable

For nearly a century, two-way radios have been one of the most popular communications choices for industries ranging from construction to healthcare and, of course, the military. First Responders rely on two-way radios to quickly and effectively communicate with their teams as they respond to a crisis while construction crews use them to communicate across a job site. Healthcare professionals and educators may use them on their campuses to communicate with the front desk/main office, alert security teams to intruders, or coordinate arrivals for student drop-offs, patient pick-ups, ambulances, and school buses.

Since 1937, when two-way radios were invented, technology has improved by leaps and bounds. The materials and technology that went into manufacturing two-way radios at that time have dramatically changed in the intervening years, but at their core - regardless of any “bells and whistles” in the newer models - they’re still based on the same primary technology: a transceiver that can both transmit and receive radio signals.

That said, there are now different types of two-way radios: portable and mobile - which are the focus of this article - and desktop/base station, which we’ll discuss in another post.

When most people think of two-way radios, they’re likely thinking of portable radios - affectionately known as walkie-talkies. These are radios that run on battery power and are able to be carried around while an individual is in the field. While the batteries do need to be charged, they typically last many hours on a single charge allowing the operator to undertake a full day (or more) of duties with relative flexibility. Walkie-talkies are lightweight and well-suited to most professions, although their limited range means that they must be used within the same general vicinity as the other radios on their network.

While mobile radios are inherently movable, they aren’t necessarily portable. That’s because this type of radio is meant to be mounted within a vehicle and connected to an external antenna, with the operator using a handheld mouthpiece connected via a wire to speak through the system. 

The antenna, paired with a higher output, allows the signal to travel several miles so the operator can stay connected with their home base as they travel their territory.

If you need radios that will enable your business or organization to connect over other devices, at other locations, or across distances, Amerizon Wireless will walk you through the process of obtaining the radios and equipment, along with Nationwide PTT coverage.