Introduction
Portable radio communication devices like walkie-talkie radios have supported security services for ages. Radio communication first gained traction during World War 1 when the military used Walkie-Talkie Radios exclusively to stay connected with their troops.
Cut to today, we see security agents who are in charge of protecting people or property, using walkie-talkie radios to communicate with their on-site crew. Today’s frontline communications are dynamic, and the intensity of threats has increased.
Security forces of diverse kinds operate in high-risk environments where high-tech armaments and equipment are involved.
This raises the question is the radio technology invented almost a century ago reliable for today’s threat.
Modern-day frontline teams are preferring latest alternatives to radio-based communications, such as cellular push-to-talk services. Let’s understand why.
Drawbacks of Walkie-Talkie Radios for Modern-Day Security Teams
No doubt, the half-duplex communication and push-button connectivity offered by traditional radios are fast and hassle-free compared to phone calls.
However, modern-day security teams require not just fast but fail-proof communication to sustain the unpredictable threat environment.
Sticking to traditional two-way radios means that security agents have to struggle with the innumerable limitations of radio communications.
Let’s understand why traditional radio devices do not support today’s frontline communication needs:
Limited Network Coverage
Radio communications demand a line-of-sight clearance, meaning no solid obstacles must be between the sender and the receiver.
Moreover, radio frequencies have low coverage and begin destabilizing and losing connectivity beyond specific perimeters.
We live in a time when an ultra-fast 5G network is soon to be a part of our lives.
Radios are obsolete as far as critical communication is concerned.
Security forces need a reliable communication platform that offers constant nationwide or global connectivity.
Low Audio Quality
VIPs generally spend very less time at their houses and offices. Their schedule is packed with traveling and outdoor meetings. This makes it necessary for the security teams to be constantly alert and keep their communications streamlined on the move.
Security agents have to be constantly in touch with their team members deployed at various locations.
Radios inherently offer a lower audio quality compared to cellular phone calls. Walkie-talkie radios create a significant amount of static noise that can hinder communication.
Do Not Offer Multi-Modal Communication
Radio communication does not cater to security services’ urgent and dynamic nature. Today’s security services require multi-modal communication that offers backup options to instantly connect with crew members. Besides push-button connectivity
The ideal communication platform for the security team must also provide other modes of communication, including text messages.
Multi-media sharing, video calling, etc. With this, your security team does not have to spend time switching between various tools or devices to share confidential details, real-time images of proof and evidence, etc.
Lack of Group Connectivity
Security teams always need to have contingency plans ready in cases of emergencies. 1-1 push button communication works satisfactorily when sharing updates
but what security teams really need unified group communication when an emergency strikes. Radios do not offer the ability for security agents to connect with more than one person. Making 1-1 calls is time-consuming and futile when lives are on the line.
Do Not Offer Location Reports
Radios are primitive devices and lack digital screens or the power to leverage the internet. When security teams are on the move, location tracking is another extremely crucial factor besides instant communication.
The ability to track the locations of various crew members helps security agents know where their team members are at all times. It also helps them know which crew members are in close vicinity to strategize their emergency response plan. However, with radios, all you can leverage is two-way push-button connectivity.
Non-Scalable
A large part of modern-day threat analysis and contingency planning is done based on data and comprehensive analytics provided by intelligence teams.
This data helps the security agents track behaviors, analyze patterns, identify suspicious activities, and much more. Today’s security teams need smart collaboration tools that can help them visualize, store and instantly share the data with their team members.
Radio devices cannot be scaled up to include process automation or analytics, making them unfit for today’s security services.
Push-to-Talk Apps: Overcoming the Drawbacks of Walkie-Talkies Radios
Now that we have established that radios are unfit to cater to today’s security teams let’s talk about what can be done to remedy the situation. The ideal solution for security teams would be to switch to modern-day Push-to-Talk apps such as NuovoTeam.
What are Push-to-Talk apps?
The software can be directly installed on your security agents’ smartphones to enable push-button connectivity over cellular networks. Yes, you can use smartphones as walkie-talkies with modern PTT apps.
What does that mean?
Your security agents no longer have to struggle with interference and miscommunication. They can leverage ultra-fast, reliable, and encrypted Push-to-talk over cellular networks.
How does it help?
Your security teams can benefit from the clear audio quality and global connectivity, including modern-day communication capabilities such as making group calls, sharing multi-media and text messages, sharing current locations, sending SOS alerts, and much more.
Closing Thoughts
Radio communication has served versatile industries in the past. However, today, radios require extensive investments and present non-satisfactory returns. When considering a communication platform for security services and task forces.
Speed and reliability are of prime importance. Modern-day Push-to-Talk apps are a clear choice.
Meta description: Walkie-talkie radios have failed to evolve with time. Explore in detail why radios cannot support today’s physical security teams.
