Top 3 Radio Communication Challenges

Here’s What You Should Know

1. Addressing weak/poor radio signal strength is likely a top priority for any department or jurisdiction.

2. Dead radios with costly batteries are useless and cumbersome.

3. RoIP (Radio over Internet Protocol) and PTT (Push-to-Talk) technology allows your smartphone to become a radio.

If you ask handheld radio users what their top 3 radio challenges are, you may think the answers would be all over the board. Thankfully, a recent survey of law enforcement officials by Police1 not only answers the question but also shows most users struggle with the same challenges.

1. Weak Inside & Outside Signal

The survey actually split inside and outside signals into two different survey responses. More than 82 percent of respondents, many of which have upwards of 20 years in law enforcement under their belts, say their top issue is dead zones inside buildings. Nearly 68 percent say they have challenges with dead zones outside. 

No matter the circumstances, first responders cannot give up when they encounter weak signals because the public demands their responders know what they are doing. A big part of that is understanding objectives through communication. Addressing weak/poor radio signal strength is likely a top priority for any department or jurisdiction.

2. Poor Sound Quality

This issue may also be linked closer to the poor signal strength. However, it’s a clear problem that nearly half of respondents listed as a daily challenge. Depending on the set up and location of a traditional radio, sound quality can be impacted by any number of things. Be it people not speaking clearly, radios being too close or too far away from one’s mouth, noise around the user or even faulty and damaged equipment.

3. Short Battery Life

The fastest way to feel like you are alone on an island is a complete communications blackout. Dead radios with costly batteries are useless and cumbersome. Good thing smartphones are around. But wait, do you have all the contacts you need? Will you have the ability to instantly connect?

Painless Solutions Through Seamless Integration

Radios have truly withstood the tests of time. Just because time is catching up, doesn’t mean technology integrations around this communications staple don’t exist. In fact, one solution is probably in your pocket right now. 

RoIP (Radio over Internet Protocol) and PTT (Push-to-Talk) technology allows your smartphone to become a radio. Cellular integration helps users defy the limitations of communications. Through Tango Tango, users connect when it matters most. With a smartphone your team will  pass through dead zones, expand transmitting limits and link outside users or agencies to your immediate emergency comms group. For some users, this could be a radio replacement, while other users can quickly connect to Tango Tango when it matters most. 

“Our jurisdiction encompasses a largely rural area, with many peaks and valleys, creating ‘dead spots’ which can become a serious hazard for emergency crews,” said Assistant Fire Chief George Dobson with Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company. 

Instead of letting communications challenges be an everyday norm, Assistant Chief Dobson and his department proactively sought a solution. 

“TangoTango has solved that problem for us. Having a dedicated radio where reception is strong and accessible via my smartphone means much less worry. Redundant measures, especially when considering communications, can save lives and because of this we chose Tango Tango,” said Asst. Chief Dobson.  

In rural counties, weak service is a problem that often impacts communication with other agencies. Sheriff Billy Hancock of the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office turned to Tango Tango to find solutions for his deputies. 

“TangoTango Interoperability is a must in rural Georgia. With numerous counties located nearby, many cases will cross jurisdictional boundaries. We all have different radio systems making it difficult to communicate effectively and efficiently,” said Sheriff Hancock. The team at Tango Tango, which includes former first responders, has a wealth of information and is standing by to help you eliminate everyday radio challenges your team faces.