If a disaster strikes are you prepared to react? How do you plan to keep communication lines open if cell phone lines become overburdened, or Internet goes down? Anyone that works as a member of a professional first-respondent team knows that the most critical component of an emergency situation is access to communication.

If a large geomagnetic storm or other disaster arrives, Internet based forms of communications will likely go down. As long as two-way radios are not damaged, they will continue to work long past other forms of communication. This is why a two-way radio system can be life changing in the instance of an emergency, and why many businesses keep them handy just in case disaster strikes. Here we detail the importance of two-way radios and how radios are incredibly useful in times of emergency.

Why Are More People Getting Two-Way Radios Than Ever Before?

In July of 2013, the monsoon flooding disaster in India sparked a movement around the world. Due to a lack of communication during the disaster, others have learned from the hardships people and businesses faced as a result. Many officials in other flood prone areas have since instituted radio facilities for emergency communication purposes.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have recently published training materials on how to use two-way radios on a regular basis, and in the instance of an emergency. (Learn more)

If you watch a lot of news, it seems like every few weeks another disaster strikes a different part of the world. The awareness that anything can happen has sparked many individuals and businesses to invest in a two-way radio system. A cell phone might seem more high tech, but it is not nearly as reliable as a radio. Radios provide a great way to stay in contact with team members for everyday use, but this is especially true in times of emergency.

4 Benefits Of Two-Way Radios In An Emergency

Two-way radios offer so many benefits, here are 4 things your radio can do for you to help ease an emergency situation.

1. Radio Tracking Devices: Know Where Everyone Is In An Emergency

In an emergency the last thing you want to waste time doing is guessing where your team is located. This wastes valuable time that might make a big difference in the overall outcome. Since many two-way radios come with GPS tracking capabilities, you can always see where your team is at in relation to the GPS on their radio.

2. Works When Other Forms Of Communication Do Not

When most forms of communication cease working, you don’t have to be isolated and without contact. 2-way radios include their own channel that no one else has access to. For this reason, even if phone lines become clogged up, your 2-way radio will still operate without the need to worry about any competition. Keep extra batteries on hand, in the instance a radio battery goes bad you can simply swap it out for a new one.

3. Make Contact With People Miles Away

You might assume that two-way radios only work across a relatively short distance, but think again. Your own 2-way radio system can reach up to 300-miles in distance, meaning you will have contact with people far away from the immediate disaster location.

4. Radios Are Durable And Lightweight

Cell phones are fragile devices that break under very little pressure. In an emergency situation who knows what sort of things might be going on. Thankfully, quality 2-way radios are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. For instance, if floodwaters are rising and a cell phone plops down into the water, not only is it likely broken but also it will quickly sink to the bottom. On the other hand, many 2-way radios are made to float on top of water as opposed to sink, and many are capable of withstanding up to a few feet of water for around 30-minutes.

Some disasters stretch on for a considerable amount of time, which makes the durability of radios even more appreciated. Not only are radios durable and able to withstand the unique pressures created by a disaster, but also they are lightweight and easy to carry around. If an emergency situation requires a lot of moving about, a radio is compact enough to not get in the way.

The Importance Of High Quality Radios

You don’t want to purchase just any 2-way radio; cheap consumer grade models that are sold at the local corner store are not going to provide nearly the same reliability as a professional model. The advanced features that many 2-way radios come equipped with could make the difference between having a working radio and not having a working radio in the instance of an emergency.

Want to be prepared no matter what disaster comes your way? Highland Wireless offers all of the latest two-way radio systems for improved communication and safety everyday and during disasters.

Radio systems include a vast history, having been used in almost every industry at some point in time. Henirich Hertz was the German physicist responsible for originally proving one could wirelessly send and receive electric waves. While Hertz believed his work had no real practical potential, his work is now recognized as a solid building block in the invention of modern day radio and other forms of communication. In fact, every frequency measurement is now called the Hertz in honor of his intelligent realization.

Radio waves travel incredibly fast, allowing you to communicate at the touch of a button. Hence why radio technology is used for so many different things today, from baby monitors to tow truck dispatchers. So where is the future of radio communication headed, and what can you expect from your 2-way radio system sometime in the near future?

The History Of Mobile Radios

In order to fully appreciate where mobile radio technology is today, it’s important to understand where two-way radios started. The technologies behind radios were first put to use in the 1890’s in order to help ships communicate. Prior to radio technologies ships used carrier pigeons and flags to correspond.

In 1910, Frederick Baldwin and John McCurdy used the first radios for aviation. The two men trailed behind another plane and used radios to communicate between the two planes.

In 1912 the Federal government began regulating American airwaves. Anyone wanting to utilize radio communication had to become licensed, and ships were required to carry a radio and trained operators.

In 1921, police commissioner William Rutledge introduced the first radio-equipped vehicles to the Detroit Police Department.

In 1927 the Federal Radio Commission was instituted to organize the chaos in the airwaves.

(Learn More)

Today, so many years later, and radios still remain an incredibly important device in so many different industries. The widespread use of radios requires that the technology is continually being built upon and improved. As we look into the future it’s clear that the powers of two-way radios are only going to continue to grow and expand.

Advancements In Two-Way Radios

There are a number of advancements in radio technology that have taken place in recent years. Two-way radios can do more for you now than ever before. Radios can be used to send and receive messages both verbally and in text. They now also come with advanced security features to better protect your business from intruders and thieves. If a radio is removed from its designated area, it can be remotely turned off until it is returned back to the right hands, at which point it can easily be turned back on.

Cell phones and landlines were invented thanks to the technological knowledge gained through radio communications. Yet, radios have continued to advance even as other related inventions take off.

Radios largely remain popular because they are reliable, cost-effective, and easy to use. Even as radios undergo technical advancements, the overall design remains very simple, offering touch to talk features that don’t waste time or include distractions. Despite the simplicity of the two-way radio, it continues to provide more and more benefits to businesses. Perhaps the one complaint a business might have is that 2-way radios cannot communicate across as vast a distance as a cell phone, although that too is changing thanks to the institution of wide area networks.

Wide Area Network Radio Systems

Two-way radios have generally been limited by distance, only able to communicate over a certain expanse of space. Yet, thanks to advanced technology, all of that is now changing. Wide area technology is transforming the ways radios are used to communicate and do business.

A wide area network allows one radio to reach another, even if the two radios are 300 miles apart. While cell phones are known to give out in an emergency, radio towers are far more reliable. Long distances were once reason enough for businesses to turn to cell phones as opposed to radio for communication. Now, since radios are capable of communicating across vast areas, even more businesses can take advantage of radio benefits.

Radio equipment can be placed on a tall tower, or on a large building, but every site is linked to create an IP network attached to your businesses. In less than one second, an audio transmission from one radio can reach another radio. As a result, businesses have a constant source of quick, reliable communication they can depend on regardless of distance.

Highland Wireless was one of the very first providers to create a wide area network in Florida. Our network connects Miami, West Palm, Tampa, Orlando, and everywhere in between. Contact us today to learn how your business can enjoy seamless communication with wide area network radios.

There are different reasons you might want to use a two-way radio, for either personal or business use. Depending on your needs the best two-way radio option for you will differ.

There are a few things to look for when deciding which two-way radio system to go with. Here we detail some key features to look out for in order to help determine the best two-way radio for your needs.

How Do You Know Which Is The Best Two-Way Radio? Top Features To Consider

Never settle on the first radio you are introduced to. Two-way radios offer a world of features and options these days, and depending on your particular needs the best option will vary. When looking for the best two-way radios for personal or business use, it’s important to know exactly what you need. Here is a list of some of the best features to look out for:

• Clear communication: Can people hear one another well enough to sufficiently communicate? Avoid radios that come with static and poor connections, you don’t need to deal with the hassle when you can get a radio with a crystal-clear signal.
• Easy-to-Use: The controls on the radio should be easy for anyone to use, even if they are partially distracted, wearing gloves, or in a dark location.
• Hands-free usage: Some radios come with talk-to-use features that allow for hands free communication.
• Strong battery life: The battery on a radio device should be able to last all day and then some. Different radios offer different types of batteries, some come with built-in rechargeable batteries, and others rely on alkaline batteries. It’s important to find out what type of battery a radio uses and its expected life. How long do you plan to use radios without charging? This answer varies considerably by business and may ultimately impact the best radio for you.
• Warranty or service package: Radios that come with a warranty or service package can help make life far less stressful if problems arise down the road.
• Transmission range: Different radios are capable of providing service over a different area range. Know exactly what transmission range you require before purchasing a radio system in order to ensure it is powerful enough to serve your needs.
• Waterproof radios: Will you be using radios in wet conditions? If so, be sure and purchase a 2-way radio that is waterproof.

Two-Way Radios With Excellent Reviews

Why do some two-way radios get better reviews than others? Let’s take a look at two different radios with excellent reviews to find out what makes certain radios stand out over others. Knowing what makes people love their new radio can help you better identify which features are of utmost importance to you.

The Motorola XPR-7550

Editor ratings for the Motorola XPR-7550 are above average. This popular model comes complete with a multicolor LCD display, GPS, and more. So why does this model get such great reviews?

• Audio quality, the speaker on this radio offers clear, static-free communication that is even described as enjoyable to listen to. Plus, with a variety of volumes you can be sure to hear this radio even in a very loud environment.
• Easy and comfortable to use, thanks to the compact nature of this radio it is very comfortable to hold in your hand while in use. The buttons on this phone are also conveniently placed and simple. The device includes 2 different knobs, one for power and one to select the correct operating channel. This Motorola also comes with a backlit keyboard for easy typing, even in the dark.
• LCD color display screen causes this radio to stand out next to others.
• Durable and long lasting, this radio is built to stand up to wear and tear, and is known to outlast many other similarly priced radios. This radio is actually built to withstand exposure to a little over 3-feet of water for as long as 30 minutes.
• Added features such as GPS give this radio even more bonus points. Businesses are able to utilize a number of different tasks thanks to added features, such as being able to track employee locations for enhanced safety and efficiency.

The Kenwood TK-3230

The Kenwood TK-3230 also gets great customer reviews due to a number of standout features.

• Lightweight and easy to use, The TK-3230 radio is much smaller than some of the other radio options on the market. Despite being compact and easy to carry around, the TK-3230 is still durable thanks to its polycarbonate shell and carefully crafted design.
• Very reliable, Businesses continually mention how much they can depend on this radio to always work, and without any issues related to static.
• High tech security, The TK-3230 comes with a Privacy Talk feature that scrambles voice messages so that no one can listen in on your conversations.
• Long Battery Life, The automatic battery saving mode this radio comes with means it will last longer before needing a charge.

Highland Wireless offers the top rated two-way radios on the market. Browse our vast selection to find the right radio for your particular needs.

5 Things A 2 Way Radio System Can Do For You

You may recall playing with walkie-talkies as a kid; a pair of black inexpensive walkie-talkies allows more than one kid to have hours of fun. But if these old school walkie-talkies are what you think about when you hear ‘2 way radios,’ think again.

Radio is actually the oldest form of communication on land, but since the first handy-talkies, 2 way radios have undergone many upgrades. Today, a radio system can offer a world of beneficial features that many people are surprised to find out about. A 2 way radio system will provide your business with an affordable and reliable source of communication, but it can also do a whole lot more. Here we identify and explain 5 things 2 way radios offer that may surprise you.

1. Text Messaging

In most cases it takes less time to send over a voice message than to type out a text, hence why push-to-talk radios are so time efficient. Yet, in some instances it is more effective to text, for example if one party is hard of hearing, or if the location is too loud to hear. There are multiple 2 way radios that include text message capabilities. 2 way radios can offer a nice platform for texting; some are even equipped with colored screens, and number keys to type with.

2. Stun & Revive Feature

Companies discuss private, low-key information on a regular basis. Even employees that hold lower level jobs at a company know a great deal of insider information. Privacy is a large concern for many businesses, and so too is theft. If a radio-system ends up in the wrong hands the results could be devastating, thankfully some 2 way radios are equipped with a great deal of privacy and security features.

Some 2 way radios can be disabled if the device leaves the designated area or is reported as stolen. If a ‘stun’ signal is sent to a device, it will no longer be able to receive or send out messages. This can help keep your privacy secure, as well stop theft. Once the radio is retrieved, a ‘revive’ signal is sent to the device and it will be operative again.

3. Voice Recording And Replay

You never want to be left in the dark about what’s going on at your business, especially if an issue arises, and so the more things that you can record, the better. Did you know you could have all 2 way radio transactions continually recorded and available for play back? This gives businesses the added advantage of having transactions recorded so that if anything arises, an exact transaction of words is retrievable. If need be, these recordings are approved to stand as evidence in a court of law.

4. GPS Tracking

Some 2 way radios come with GPS tracking so that all devices can be tracked. GPS tracking offers you the chance to see travel information charted on graphs, reroute a previously traveled path, or show locations in real time, all according to the location of 2 way radios. This can be beneficial to your business in many different ways, from preventing theft of radios to keeping up with company productivity. It can also ensure the safety of your workers when they are alone on a mission.  Seeing travel logs of tracked distances can also help institute new ideas for more cost effective methods of conducting business.

5. Fleet-Wide Emergency Notification

What is your plan if an emergency arises? Communication is so important in times of emergency, although cell phones and landlines can easily become compromised during all kinds of emergencies. Not only are radios able to withstand virtually any disaster and still work to communicate, certain radios also come with fleet-wide emergency notification.

The moment something urgent comes up, it’s important to contact your team all at once, and as soon as possible. When poor communication ensues, an emergency can quickly become more desperate. Thankfully, some 2 way radio systems come with fleet-wide emergency notifications. If your system is equipped for this, a time of emergency is no longer a time to panic. Instead, your entire team can be alerted collectively as a group, even if they are in vastly different locations.  In other words, a 2 way radio is also a cost-effective form of security.

The Vast Benefits Of 2 Way Radios

2 way radios make it easier for employees to quickly communicate throughout the workday. As a result of better communication, companies witness enhanced productivity, cost savings, and less waste. Plus, 2 way radios are far more affordable than pricey cell phones.

Golf courses, educational campuses, large retail operations, there are so many different businesses currently reaping the benefits of a radio communication system. Plus, the additional services you can obtain with 2 way radios make your business more secure, alert, and safe.

At Highland Wireless we offer the very latest 2 way radios, along with superior technical services and support. Stun and revive, GPS tracking, speed notification, voice recording and more, we do it all. Contact us today to learn more!

Businesses continually try and accomplish the same thing: reduce costs and generate more profits. Therefore it’s no surprise that time and time again we are asked if a 2 way radio system can help a business save money. The answer is yes! Radios help businesses save money in numerous ways. In this blog we detail how 2 way radio systems offer reliable communication as well as money-saving benefits.

Four Ways A 2 Way Radio Could Reduce Costs:

1. Ditch The Expensive Cell Phone Plans

What are your employees currently using to communicate? If the answer is cell phones, 2 way radios can already save you money because they offer a more affordable option. Golf courses commonly supply staff with 2 way radios, as opposed to pricey cell phones, in order to communicate across the expansive greens and clubhouses. Although larger operations that need to communicate across much vaster distances than a golf course don’t need to waste money on cell phones and data plans either. Thanks to the latest in Wide Area radio technology, you can use 2 way radios to talk to someone up to 300 miles away. This allows teams working near and far to save money and use 2 way radios over cell phones.

2. Avoid Additional Emergency Expenses

Accidents and emergencies are bound to happen; it’s just how the world works. Perhaps it keeps things exciting, a bit unpredictable. But even a minor emergency can turn into a catastrophe without the proper safety precautions in place. Big or small calamities call for one thing: reliable communication. If sufficient lines of communication are not secured problems (and monetary damages) can add up much faster. One way to ensure your employees are able to communicate no matter what life, or Mother Nature, throws in the way is to equip all employees with 2 way radios.

In a wide spread emergency cell phone lines quickly get tied up, and often connection is destroyed all together. When using a cell phone you have to wait for an available line to open up, hence how in a time of emergency there are no available lines to access. Radios have their very own dedicated line so that communication is always within reach and you never have to wait.

Some disasters can even destroy phone towers, cutting off service to cell phones as well as landlines. In this case radios once again may be the only working form of communication.

In a longer lasting emergency where power is not available, cell phones will die as soon as their charge is up, but 2 way radios can last for days.

Many businesses keep 2 way radios on hand just in case of an emergency in order to ensure a line of communication. By keeping employees prepared to communicate no matter what, you can reduce stress and save money in damages.

3. Increase Productivity

There are two reasons that 2 way radios increase productivity. One, they reduce distractions created by other forms of on the job communication, namely the cell phone. And secondly, they make communication quicker and easier to access.

When employees can easily get in touch with one another working together becomes a more cohesive task, even when working miles apart. This causes many businesses to turn to cell phones so that employees can get in touch back and forth. While some mobile phones even come with easy to use walkie-talkie features, nothing compares to the speed and ease of radio communication.

Plus, radios avoid the surplus of distractions created by cell phones. People find all kinds of things to do on a cell phone. Imagine if every employee spends as little as 15 minutes a day on their phone doing unrelated tasks, this adds up to a lot of lost productivity for your business.  2 way radios ensure access to a reliable communication system and also increase the amount of time employees spend working instead of being distracted by a cell phone.

4. Reduce Waste

When employees get busy doing their own thing, it’s easy for communication to falter and mistakes to be made. If employees have a fast way to communicate with one another it can actually save a lot of money. Time and time again we hear our customers say that 2 way radios keep everyone informed about inventory, this reduces the chance someone overbuys something or misspeaks about a product. With 2 way radios it’s much easier for workers to contact one another and avoid mistakes.

Benefits of 2 Way Radios

The benefits of obtaining a 2 way radio system for your business are plentiful. Overall they include:

• Improved response times
• Higher level of coordination between employees
• Better control of operations in totality
• Able to communicate one at a time, or as an entire group
• Instant and accurate information
• Enhanced decision-making
• Increased levels of productivity
• Added safety

All of these benefits are great on their own, but when combined they can save your business a great deal of money.

Contact Highland Wireless today to learn more about how 2 way radios can serve your business with a great deal of savings!