The Importance of In-Building Wireless

The Importance of In-Building Wireless

In years past, in building wireless was unheard of, after all landlines were used inside and as wireless phones grew in popularity, their use was limited to outside the building. Fast forward to 2021, and landline are being phased out as cellular coverage increases. The problem is there is an issue, while cellular subscribers expect superior indoor coverage, they don’t always get what they want. Since around 80 percent of wireless communication takes place inside a building, in-building wireless is crucial for seamless communication. Even when in-building wireless is already in place, coverage can still be negatively impacted as a result of a building’s layout and surrounding structures, as well as the building materials and the location of the caller inside.

Increased Reliance on Wireless Communication

The population is increasing reliant on wireless communication which means a need powerful and reliable indoor coverage, particularly for first responders and anyone placing calls in an emergency situation. Even in non-emergency situations and scenarios, being able to call and/or text can be crucial to communication and convenience.

Given that more than 40 percent of employees in commercial business have issues with in-building coverage and more than 30 percent report dropped calls inside, increased reliance on wireless communication requires strong, dependable in-building coverage. With the advent of 5G wireless technology, the need for in-building wireless will continue to grow due to enhanced capacity and high-definition capabilities with fewer delays.

Finding Solutions – In-Building Wireless

Since its inception, wireless carriers have been unable to control environmental issues obstructing in-building coverage. Even so, you can improve indoor reception and enhance coverage dependability in your building with DAS (distributed antenna systems, IBW (in-building wireless equipment), and other in-building cellular enhancement protocols. Making these enhancements in your building will increase capacity, permitting cellular signals to move in, out, and around the building easily.

While the debate rages over who should be responsible for installing these enhancements – the carriers or the building owners – cost remains a crucial factor as does the increase in wireless usage and devices, network capacity and security requirements, and installation in older, existing buildings. LTE cellular boosts can provide a solution to security and quality compared to Wi-Fi connections, and they may provide part of the needed solution. This is especially true when compared to the use of unsecured local or public networks which have decreased speed and capacity and a lack of security. Improving towers can also help, enhancing the quality and the reach of in-building wireless.

The fact remains as wireless use increases, in-building wireless enhancements will become essential for both building owners and carriers to ensure productivity as well as revenue. Powerful, dependable connectivity benefits your business, allowing your employees to move in and about the building without losing their connection and their ability to communicate effectively through conferencing, shared documents, and collaborative communication. Having the flexibility to move without connection loss means employees can work where they need to and deliver greater cost-effectiveness for your business.

For Powerful and Reliable In-Building Wireless Services

Enhancing capacity and coverage for your business shouldn’t be hard. For powerful, reliable, and dependable in-building wireless services call on Highland Wireless, the full-service company for Fire and Public Safety Radio Enhancement Projects in the greater Miami area, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and the surrounding area. Specializing in RF engineering, onsite testing, as well as CAD Design, iBwave Design, NFPA installation, and close-out documentation, Highland Wireless RF engineers will be onsite to assess your needs and provided a custom proposal for your building. Contact us today to learn more about in-building wireless services.

Why You Need Security Cameras for your Fleet

Why You Need Security Cameras for your Fleet

Security cameras are on-board cameras for your fleet. While these modern marvels were first used by the film and auto racing industries in the 1980s, they were soon adapted for police departments. Today they are used across business and industry to record or view activity of the drivers in your fleet, aid in driver safety, or ensure the security of drivers and their cargo. The latest safety features for on-board cameras help drivers when backing up, aid in merging and lane changes, and ensure vehicles stop successfully before a collision occurs.

In addition to safety features, state of the art wireless security cameras on your fleet allows you to better manage your fleet drivers. These surveillance cameras can be utilized effectively in all kinds of vehicles from delivery vehicles to semi-trucks. With built-in GPS, incident detection, and video storage, crucial footage is easily accessed as needed.

What Industries Utilize Security Cameras?

On-board surveillance cameras are be adapted for use by businesses, organizations, schools, governments, and more. Buses used by school systems and local mass transit services are installing on-board cameras at the highest rate. Why? The cameras are capable of monitoring not only employees, but also students and passengers as well as drivers who are illegally passing school buses. The cameras serve as witness to incidents between passengers and drivers as well as ensure that drivers are performing their duties satisfactorily.

Government organizations are also adopting on board surveillance cameras for use in public safety situations. The cameras can be used in undercover surveillance or stakeouts and controlled remotely as well as in tactical approaches in life or death situations. Federal, state, and local governments are also using security cameras in their fleets to protect employees and assets.

For businesses, the installation of security cameras in fleet operations is growing exponentially for a variety of reasons. The benefits for business include not only insurance reasons but also employee and asset protection.

The Benefits of Security Cameras for Your Fleet

On-board security cameras in your fleet offer a number of benefits for both your business, your vehicles, and your employees. The installation of fleet cameras can save you money with reduced insurance premiums due to decreased insurance claims. Insurers are getting on board, offering rebates and discounts for businesses with on-board cameras installed in their fleets. On board cameras can also help deter insurance fraud. In addition, these security cameras provide a video record or any accident, expediting the insurance claim process and ensuring drivers are protected from being wrongly accused in an incident.

On board cameras add an additional level of oversight, helping to ensure your drivers are safe on the road, not using or inappropriate driving tactics or driving recklessly. Plus, the footage can also be used to award safe drivers. On top of that, company assets are being protected as on-board cameras can be set to record whenever motion is detected.

Because these cameras have Wi-Fi capability, data is automatically uploaded for live viewing and recorded for review at a later time. Video footage can be stored, easily accessed, and reviewed as needed.

Security Cameras Are a Great Investment in your Business

As you consider the investment in on board security cameras for your fleet, you will need to determine what you want to see as well as how the video is accessed. At Highland Wireless, our experts will take the information you provide regarding what you need to see and how you want to access it to develop a plan for your business or organization, from the cameras you need to the best placement in your fleet. Contact us today to learn more about wireless security cameras for your fleet.

Best Uses for Two-Way Radios

Best Uses for Two-Way Radios

Industries and organization use two-way radios in a number of ways to their advantage. If you are considering adding two-ways radios, also known as walkie-talkies to your business or organization, it can help you to know just how others in similar industries are using them. Many industries and organizations have already harnessed the power of communication with two-way radios which offer numerous push-to-talk benefits not shared by mobile phones, texting, emailing or landlines.  Let’s explore some of the best uses for two-way radios and how they are making industry communication more effective and operations more efficient.

Security, Health, and Safety

In the areas of security, health, and safety, two-way radios bring the communication needed when situations are critical. For security personnel, two-way radios allow for better collaboration when crowd control is required, or while keeping intruders out. Plus walkie-talkies can sound the alarm if intruders break the perimeter and enter the property. Two-way radios are crucial to personal security teams, allowing them to operate discretely and privately or to broadcast alerts when required.

For police, fire, and rescue personnel, two-way radios deliver wireless channels devoted to mobilization and communication in times of crisis. This is especially true during man-made or natural disasters when mobile networks are overwhelmed or heat, smoke, or power outages disallow other forms of communication.

Construction, Mining, and Oil Industry

Construction, Mining, and Oil are industries where you might expect two-way radio use to be extremely useful and you would be correct. In the construction industry, two-way radios allow work crews to communicate instantly with supervisors, architects, engineers when design questions arise or when parts, equipment, or crew members are needed. In mining operations and on oil rigs, workers are often off the grid, out of range of cellular service. Two-way radios enable communication continually, especially when accidents, fire, or breakdowns threaten to put workers in danger or hamper production.

Retail and Manufacturing

In the world of retail, customer service is priority one and two-way radios allow that to happen, allowing sales floor staff to communicate with stock room personnel and clerks to easily get price checks or speak with managers as needed. In addition, two-way radios can help retail security detect and respond more effectively to alleviate losses due to theft and damage. For manufacturing facilities, communication can be a challenge, but two-way radios can easily operate in  areas where internet and landlines fall short or are out of reach. Additionally two-way radios can be programed with alerts for managers, engineers, and maintenance personal when production lines break down. Plus, two-way radios can enable effective communication from the front office to the manufacturing plant.

Hospitality and Special Events

Two-way radios are also beneficial for those in the hospitality and event planning industries. In resorts and hotels, housekeeping personal and maintenance staff can communicate easily, when damages, spills, or other accidents occur. They can also be used to ensure customer service, from the front desk to the food service staff to housekeeping and maintenance to security personnel. For special events including concerts, sporting events, conventions, parades, home shows, craft fairs, and the like, two-way radios can be used to ensure the safety and security of the guests, call for help in the event of an emergency, and manage and move crowds effectively. They can also be used for smaller events like parties and weddings for communication between the event planner and subcontractors as well as the host or hostess on the day of the special event.

Two-Way Radios for Your Industry or Organization

Now you know the best uses for two- way radios in your area of expertise, let’s explore all that two-way radios can bring to your company. Call on Highland Wireless for a detailed, custom quote. As Florida’s premier radio communications provider, Highland Wireless has the communication solutions your company or organization needs.

Two-Way Radios and Yachting – The Perfect Match

Two-Way Radios and Yachting – The Perfect Match

Two-way radios are a great communication option for multiple applications. It is especially true for yachts and other marine applications. Onboard a yacht, staff and passengers can communicate easily and effectively with premium two-way radios. Offering complete coverage on your vessel, two-way radios allow you to communicate with personnel simply and offer exceptional value. Water-proof two-way marine handsets may sound like costly options, but in truth, they provide quality and value for your crew and your vessel.

Advantages of Two-Way Radios Onboard Your Yacht

Effective, reliable communication onboard your yacht is important, sometimes even critical, and two-radios are up to the task. Not only do they allow for exceptional onboard communication, but also help your staff perform their tasks and duties more effectively. Two-radios provide the advantage of effective communication when handling your guests’ needs and be better prepared in case of emergency to save lives.

Marine two-way radios provide these benefits for onboard communications:

  • Loud, clear audio
  • Hands-free operation
  • RF performance
  • Built-in loudspeaker
  • Wind-noise reduction
  • All-weather functionality
  • Portability
  • Durability
  • Multiple User Channels
  • Unlimited listeners
  • Numerous privacy codes
  • Clear digital signal
  • Exceptional range
  • Full Duplex, Fully Conversational
  • Quick and easy set up
  • Quality accessories
  • No base station required

Choosing the Ideal Two-Way Radios for Your Vessel

Making the selection of the ideal two-way radio for your yacht can be challenging with so many options from which to choose. That is where the expert team at Highland Wireless comes in with the knowledge and experience to outfit your yacht with state-of-the-art handsets designed to effective wireless communication. From waterproof two-way radios to marine base wireless radios, marine signal boost repeaters, earpieces, microphones, and chargers, the team at Highland Wireless has the expertise to ensure you get the best equipment to meet your needs.

Additional Marine Equipment Options for Your Yacht

In addition to two-way radios, Highland Wireless offers a full range of marine communication and safety equipment for your yacht include Vessel Watch with alarm monitoring, quick command controls, task scheduling, and crew call.
Vessel Watch is a unique software solution which extends the effectiveness of your two-way radio system. Leveraging the digital radios data function, Vessel Watch offers features to help your crew perform more effectively. The software is customized for each unique yacht and enhances security, safety, hospitality, and management onboard. Vessel Watch can integrate with your yacht’s alarm system to send detailed notifications as directed. In addition, the software allows for the use of quick commands to control onboard devices, lighting, sound, fans, and more directly from your handsets. Task scheduling is also a part of the Vessel Watch programming which is designed to ensure crucial checks and maintenance occur on time and successfully. Crew Call allows you and your guests to transform smartphones and tablets into a virtual Crew Call button to summon crew members as needed. In fact, once a member of your personnel answers the call, confirmation is sent to your guests along with the name of the person responding.

Call on the Trusted Marine Communication Consultants at Highland Wireless

As Marine Communication Consultants, Highland Wireless provides every aspect of ideal, effective yacht communications customized for your vessel. From the planning stages to installation to support, the Highland Wireless team strives to exceed your expectations. When installing marine communications aboard your yacht the process begins with an initial consultation to access your needs. Next, comes the design and selection phase, followed by delivery and installation. Optimization of your marine communication gear follows and includes training your onboard staff. Finally, you can count on the team at Highland Wireless to support you and your communication devices following purchase and installation.

Two-Way Radios versus Cell Phones – Which is Best for Business?

Two-Way Radios versus Cell Phones – Which is Best for Business?

Knowing the massive use of cell phones in business today, many may ask if two-way radios (walkie talkies) are relevant. That is, until your mobile phone’s connection fails, and you can’t reach the person you need to during a crucial time in your business day. The truth is two-way radios offer some advantages that even the latest cell phone technology can’t match. Two-way radios are the oldest type of electronic communication in business environments, and today’s digital two-way radios are used everywhere from government to education, medical to manufacturing, and more.  Digital two-way radios are more reliable than ever and feature extended broadcast range, lengthy battery life, enhanced voice privacy, integrated data apps like GPS, text, and work order management, and more.  Let’s compare two-way radios to cell phones to help determine which (or both) is best for business.

Two-Way Radios Versus Cell Phones

Cell phones are great! They serve a number of useful purposes, but when it comes to reliable communication, they sometimes fall short of expectations. In every industry, communication is the key to productivity, safety, and success. The fact is state-of-the-art two-way radios offer all of this and more.

Coverage, Clarity, Safety

Two-way radios deliver exceptional coverage and clarity, reducing downtime which often occurs with cell phones as they lose signal strength or experience poor reception and dropped calls. Because cell phones operate in conjunction with cell towers, reception often fails in remote areas or rural regions. Every workplace needs successful, reliable communication to avoid loss of productivity and revenue. In addition, lapses in communication in some industries – manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and more –  can create critical safety issues. Today’s two-way radios don’t experience network outages, cell tower overload, or remote dead zones which cell phones do. Plus, two-way radios offer noise cancellation and gain control, which cell phones don’t have.

One-to-All, Customized, Secure

Two-way radios allow for enhanced communication with your entire team with one-to-many communication capabilities. Plus, two-way radios can be custom designed to fit your business’s communication requirements from to one-to-one to one-to-all and every combination in between. In addition, because two-way radios operate within a closed network, security is increased when compared to mobile phones which operate via a public network.  Because these radios are designed strictly for communication purposes, business communication becomes more efficient with programmable one-touch features designed for your business needs. As a result, functionality is enhanced with built-in texting capabilities, GPS tracking, and even project order management. 

Cost Effective, Durable, Reliable

Two-way radios are cost-effective when compared to cell phones which often have a myriad of additional fees. Created for durability, two-way radios are tough, able to withstand drops, shocks, vibration, and in some cases water damage. Plus, these digital radios are reliable with twice the battery life of most cell phones, making them the best for choice in the event of an emergency.

Safe while Driving

Two-way radios are available in mobile options which can be mounted inside vehicles for safe communication while driving. In addition, Bluetooth headsets as well as speaker mics are available to make driving and communication effectively even safer for users.

Two-Way Radios for Your Business

While cell phones certainly have a secure place in your business communications, two-way radios offer a number of advantages, including reliability, safety, and efficiency, which lead to greater productivity in the workplace. Across the board, industries rely on digital two-way radios for effective communication with no downtime. Let’s explore the benefits two-way radios can bring to your business, call Highland Wireless today and discover the best communication solutions for your business.