Traditional walkie-talkies, or two-way radios, operate on specific radio frequency bands such as GMRS, CB, VHF, or UHF. These frequencies allow direct communication between devices without relying on external infrastructure. However, their range is limited to a few kilometers due to obstacles, signal strength, and interference. But PoC radio is different, which combines the traditional walkie talkie functionality with the reach of cellular networks. It is also referred to as 5000 km walkie talkie.
What is 5000km Walkie Talkie/Poc Radio?
Perhaps you are familiar with satellite phones, or satphones which are communication devices that connect directly to orbiting satellites rather than relying on terrestrial cell towers or landlines. They can reach long range but charge very high on service.
PoC radio offers a cost-effective communication solution. A PoC (Push-to-Talk Over Cellular) radio is a two-way communication device that uses cellular networks or Wi-Fi instead of traditional radio frequency bands to enable communication. Unlike traditional radios such as VHF or UHF walkie-talkies, PoC radios rely on 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, or Wi-Fi networks, which allows for extended coverage—sometimes even globally.
How does PoC Radio Work?
PoC radio relies on a SIM card to provide the cellular network through telecom operators and communication base stations. Users can apply for a sim card from the telecom operator to use PoC radio. Unlike a normal cell phone, PoC radio only uses traffic/data to send voice and data messages. The cost of purchasing and using PoC radio is much lower than that of a cell phone. So that’s why we say using walkie-talkie is more economical.
If you often use PoC radios at home or some indoor places, you can choose wifi-based ones.
FAQ about PoC Radios
1.Is PoC radio compatible with traditional walkie talkies (analog radios, digital radios, etc.)?
No. PoC radio and traditional walkie talkies operate on different principles and frequencies. They are generally not compatible with direct communication.
2. Are there any limitations of PoC radios?
Network Dependency: Their functionality relies on cellular network coverage, which may be limited in remote areas. If you are going to climb mountains in the backcountry, traditional walkie talkies are more suitable.
Data Costs: Usage may incur data charges depending on the service provider and plan.
3. Does PoC radio only transmit voice calls?
No. PoC radio allows you to share voice calls, files, images, and videos. This can be very beneficial in situations where instant communication and file sharing are necessary for efficient collaboration and decision-making. If you want to learn about the data PoC radio uses, you can dive into this article.
4. Will different brands of PoC radios communicate with each other?
No. You cannot communicate from brand A PoC radio to brand B PoC radio.
5. Where Are PoC Radios Commonly Used?
PoC radios are widely used across various industries due to their versatility and reliability:
Public Safety: Used by first responders, such as police, firefighters, and emergency medical services for efficient coordination and response.
Transportation and Logistics: Helps in managing fleets and dispatching and ensuring timely deliveries.
Outdoor enthusiasts: PoC radios can be used after inserting SIM cards and the operation is easy and intuitive. It is user-friendly for someone who only wants to use it for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
PoC radio has both advantages and limitations. It is important to choose a more suitable walkie talkie according to the usage. 5000 km talking distance sounds very practical and intriguing, but it only works in places where there are telecom base stations and communication signals.