What is Push to Talk over Cellular Solution and Its Advantages & Disadvantages?

Effective communication across businesses is crucial, but many face challenges with traditional systems, including limited reach, high transaction costs, and new complexities. These issues can hinder time management, consistency, and performance efficiency.

Push to Talk Over Cellular (PoC) Addresses these connectivity barriers by leveraging existing cellular networks to provide instant walkie-talkie-like communication via smartphones or specialized devices. This modern solution enhances connectivity, provides wider geographic coverage, and better integrates with digital services. In this blog, we will explore how PoC improves communication capabilities and examine its advantages and potential drawbacks.

What is Push to Talk over Cellular?

PoC delivers group communication services via Wi-Fi, 4G, and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology, resulting in a nationwide radio network that uses Mobile Network Operators’ cellular infrastructure. This permits radio networks to have vast coverage areas. The range of repeaters and base stations employed in traditional radio networks untethered radio users.

Before PoC, business communication was primarily conducted using two-way radios on peer-to-peer and local radio networks. PoC combines the finest of narrowband digital radios and broadband 4G/5G/LTE networks, today.  PoC radios provide DMR’s sophisticated capabilities, such as texting, immediate group calling, GPS location tracking, and emergency notifications.  Combining this capability with Wi-Fi and 4G/5G/LTE cellular networks gives the countrywide coverage area and bandwidth needed for modern data and video applications.

How Push to Talk over Cellular Works?

PoC devices, like audio over IP (VoIP), are handheld two-way radios that connect to cloud-based PoC services via the internet to make audio and video calls. A data plan SIM card (similar to those used in cell phones) is put in the PoC device, allowing internet access over the 4G/5G/LTE cellular infrastructure of Mobile Network Operators such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Airtel and Reliance.

PoC radios, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, use the Internet for data transmission and can connect to Wi-Fi networks like any other mobile device.  This alphabet soup of nomenclature becomes complex, but PoC devices connect to the internet via 4G/5G/LTE cellular networks and Wi-Fi networks for wide-area radio communications. As a result, users have access to established and dependable networks that do not require any maintenance or operational costs.  An app on the PoC device (usually running the Android operating system) enables quick and easy access to PoC services.

Advantages Of Push to Talk over Cellular

Push to Talk Over Cellular (PoC) offers many compelling benefits, transforming communications leading to seamless integration in today’s mobile networks

• Cost-efficiency: Conventional radio requires a significant investment in infrastructure, such as cabling and repeaters, which raises implementation costs. However, PoC is more cost-effective and does not require any new infrastructure. Once configured, users merely need to push the Push-to-Talk button to initiate a call; it truly is that simple!
• Excellent audio quality: Perfect sound quality is vital while interacting with coworkers, especially if you operate outside or in busy surroundings. PoC systems provide exceptional sound quality no matter where you are, ensuring that your workforce always hears vital messages and instructions.
• Unlimited range: Traditional radios have a limited geographical range, which can be frustrating and problematic when your team needs better voice quality, interference, or loss of contact. Push-to-talk radio allows for long-distance communication without repeaters, hence expanding network coverage. Like a cell phone, you can chat with other users locally, nationally, and globally, but with a slew of extra capabilities to enhance the experience.
• Connect with your team immediately: Push-to-talk cellular systems allow you to contact colleagues instantaneously. With a single button press, you can instantly connect with your team over long distances, without dialing a phone number or opening an app – a big time saver when communicating fast.
• Broadband Data: Compared to a “narrowband” PMR radio system, PoC devices and apps function over broadband networks such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi, allowing you to send massive volumes of data. In practice, this gives benefits such as a nearly endless number of channels for radio users, increased amounts of data such as GPS streaming through the system, and more advanced capabilities, such as the ability to observe the number of radio users on a channel at any given time.

Disadvantages Of Push to Talk over Cellular

Push to Talk Over Cellular (PoC) radio has many advantages but it also has some drawbacks.

• Network Dependence: PoC radios rely on the cellular network for communication, which means their performance depends on network coverage and quality. In areas with poor mobile phone reception or network outages, PoC radios may experience communication issues or not work at all.
• Battery Life: Devices used for PoC, such as smartphones or dedicated PoC walkie-talkie units, tend to have lower battery life compared to traditional two-way radios When used for long periods its ongoing communication can rapidly deplete the battery, requiring frequent recharging and is useful when expansion operations can have an impact
• Cost: PoC solutions can be costly compared to traditional radios. This includes the cost of cellular data plans, special devices, and ongoing service charges, which may not be cost-effective for all users, especially in situations with restricted budgets
• Security Issues: While a PoC walkie-talkie can provide encrypted communications, it still relies on cellular networks and internet infrastructure, which can be vulnerable to security breaches if not properly protected or attacked. It is important to ensure that strong security measures are in place to protect sensitive information.
• Latency Issues: Although generally reliable, PoC systems can occasionally experience delays or delays due to network congestion or signal processing, which can affect timely communication.

Push to Talk Over Cellular (PoC) improves communication by providing broader information, real-time communication, and advanced features. However, it is important to consider its dependence on the cellular network, potential issues with battery life, and cost. Weighing these pros and cons can help determine if a PoC is the right solution for your needs.

Find out how StackIOT Technologies can add a Push to Talk Over Cellular solution to your operations. Contact us today to learn more about optimizing your communications strategy with advanced PoC technology to ensure seamless communication across the team.