When you think about the growing workforce, it’s important to consider how they will be productive in any environment. Whether on construction sites, in warehouses, or at any other industrial business – your team can be put in high-pressure situations where they need instant communication to maintain productivity levels that meet consumer demands and adhere to safety regulations.
As businesses push harder each day into new markets and opportunities while also meeting increasing customer expectations; pressure has become an inevitable part of doing business. With extra pressure, there is more room for human error, and accidents on site. For this reason alone, two-way radio communication should be one of the first considerations for your business.
Radio communication is a vital tool for any business that needs to stay organized and safe. It’s an essential safety measure in the event of emergencies, as well as being able to maintain productivity. With so much work going on in manufacturing plants, construction sites or any industrial vertical, it’s important that every organization has reliable two-way radio communications for efficiency, productivity, and safety.
What Are Two-Way Radios
Two-way radios have the ability to transmit and receive signals. Two-way radios are different from a broadcast receiver which can only receive content but cannot transmit. A two-way radio allows the user to hold a conversation with another person with a similar radio operating on the same frequency.
These wireless communication devices are available in various forms: repeater, portable, and mobile radio. The experts at RCS Communications can guide you on how to choose a two-way radio system that best fits your organization and purpose. Hand-held, or portable radios are popularly called walkie-talkies because the user can walk while communicating through them.
But two-way radios may seem antiquated with the advent of smartphones, and more advanced communication technologies, such as the use of the internet. The truth is that you can’t really rule out the use of radio communications. Cases such as the occurrence of natural disasters, and emergency situations, or police communication, for example, require instant relay of messages.
How To Use A Two-Way Radio
One of the main questions is how to talk on a two-way radio. Two-way radios use the push-to-talk (PTT) feature, where the operator presses a button to speak and releases it to listen to feedback. The two communicating radios must be on the same frequency to allow back and forth exchanges.
When it comes to frequencies, these radios use UHF or VHF. Very High Frequency (VHF) ranges from 136 to 174 MHz and is suitable for outdoor use without lots of interference. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is best suited for indoor applications where some obstacles may obstruct the line of sight. It ranges from 403 to 512 MHz.
RCS Communications partners with Motorola Solutions and Kenwood to provide seamless two-way radio communication services for your business or organization. If you need more information on how these radio communications work, please contact us.
FCC Licensing for your Two-Way Radio Systems
Before you can acquire and set up two-way radio communication in your business, you will need to get an FCC license first. The FCC is responsible for the management and licensing of the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial and non-commercial use in local, county, and state departments.
Licensing ensures accurate allocation of frequencies, which reduces the chances of cross-talk. Cross-talk may put your employees in danger, and jeopardize the confidentiality and security of your information systems.
Licensing ensures you are the only one with a particular frequency. This prevents communication from going to the wrong recipient and creating confusion and safety issues. It can also cause delays, as would be the case for emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. People may not receive the communication in time, so they can take the appropriate action.
You can apply for the FCC license in Kentucky by completing FCC forms 159 and 605 which you can find on the FCC licensing page. Alternatively, you may also apply online at the FCC Universal License System (ULS) site.
Applying for the FCC two-way radio license can be complicated. You can contact the RCS licensing coordinators for the FCC and let them handle all the paperwork for you. This will save you time and eliminate errors in the application process.
The FCC will require the following information to approve your license:
- Your business particulars: name, address, and your federal tax ID
- The number and models of the radios you will be buying
- The longitude and latitude in which you will be using the two-way radios
- Your base stations, repeaters, and tower heights
- A valid email address — the FCC will send your electronic copy of the license to this email
RCS Communications can guide you through the process of applying for the FCC license for your two-way radios. For more information, please contact us.
Preventative Maintenance
Your company’s wireless two-way radio systems are vital to your business operations. They keep information flowing across your organization, aid you communicating with your staff and help protect the safety of your employees.
But over time, these systems can become worn out or damaged from regular use or exposure to extreme environmental conditions. This means that when a critical situation arises, such as a fire or an accident, it could cause serious problems for everyone involved.
By making regular maintenance part of an overall operational plan designed by experienced technicians you can ensure that your system will continue functioning at its optimum level every day, so that when something does go wrong during an emergency situation, your business will be prepared.
Contact RCS To Learn More About Our Two-Way Radio Solutions
Founded in 1952, RCS Communications has been providing Kentucky and Indiana businesses with reliable and efficient two-way radio systems. This family-owned business focuses on its strengths in wireless communications to provide excellent systems and services to our clients.
RCS has a long-standing partnerships with Motorola Solutions and Kenwood Communications that enables us to provide two-way radio services and equipment to industries that rely on advanced communication technology to connect their teams and workforce.
With over 60 years of experience, RCS Communications understand customers’ requirements and provides exceptional services. We remain family-owned, and our professional, experienced, and friendly team understands the needs of each of our clients across Kentucky and Indiana. Contact us today for more information.