These days, practically everything is wireless, and two-way radios are no exception. But are there major differences in the types of radios that offer this capability? And are wireless-capable models really worth purchasing compared to those that aren’t? Read on to learn about why wireless commercial two-way radios are highly effective, and how to determine if they’re the right fit for your business.

Types of Wireless Commercial Two-Way Radios

There are two main types to keep in mind: 

• Those that connect to the internet. They offer the ability to communicate with users across potentially vast distances, as long as all radios are on the same network. 
• Those that connect wireless accessories like speaker mics and earpieces. In other words, they’re the radio equivalent of Bluetooth, and permit users to operate either fully hands-free, or as close as possible to it.

While the DTWR family is proud to support radios of all types, the only wireless commercial two-way radios that we currently offer are RCA models that connect to accessories. These will be the ones we discuss in more detail for the remainder of this article.

So what are the most important factors to keep in mind when considering radios with this service?

Cost

We know that anytime someone makes a radio purchase, they’re looking for units that are worth what they’re paying, and that what they’re paying is in line with their budget. 

To that end, we recommend keeping these three points in mind:

1. Know that commercial two-way radios with wireless capabilities will cost more than those without, as it’s a premium service.
2. Look for brands that have a reputation for quality. Just as you can overpay for units that aren’t worth their salt, the reverse is also true: the cheapest options won’t guarantee longevity and performance. RCA is the best of both sides, offering world-class quality at the most affordable market prices.
3. Look for brands that keep their pricing consistent. For example, RCA has only needed to raise its pricing once in the last few months, compared to other major competitors who have done so six times in the same period. Plus, all RCA units cost at least 30 percent less than any competing model.

Convenience

Next to cost, the main reason most users choose wireless two-way radios is convenience. They like the coverage and sound quality they can still get without having to plug in an earpiece or a speaker mic. 

Is this drastically different from wired accessories? Only if having wires draped over your uniform distracts or irritates you, or if you’re concerned that those same wires will become tangled or caught on surfaces while you’re on the job.

Do You Know Which Industries Benefit the Most from Wireless Two-Way Radios?

If you answered “many,” you’re right! In fact, any job you can think of that’s made easier by operating hands-free is arguably a good fit. Construction workers, oil and gas operators, first responders, and law enforcement all come to mind, but there are plenty more out there. In other words, the most demanding jobs you can think of are the ones these radios were built for. And if that includes yours, consider this another good reason to add these radios to your next purchase!

Wireless Radios Include Other Benefits

We’ve already told you why we consider RCA to be the brand of choice for wireless commercial two-way radios. Now it’s time to talk about which units offer this service: any model from the 4200 series, which includes the RDR4220, the RDR4250, and the RDR4280.

We’ve actually highlighted this series before, as it offers the most durable handheld two-way radios in the RCA family. These units are intrinsically safe (IS), which means they meet protection requirements against flammable vapors, gasses, dust, and fibers, as well as water and shock.

Even if you don’t buy them for their wireless capability, many end users still dub them the “only radios you’ll ever need.” 

Here’s why:

• Their military-grade design means that they can handle the most punishing on-the-job conditions and still work like new. 
• Their battery performance is unmatched, easily surpassing 12+ hours of use before needing a charge.
• They’re compatible with any radio brand you already have, thanks to RCA’s RadioSync technology. 
• They have options for UHF or VHF, as well as analog or digital, depending on the type of communication network you currently run.

So If Wireless Radios Are So Great, Is There Any Reason Not to Buy Them?

At the end of the day, going wireless is really all a matter of budget and preference. If you really want a reason not to purchase them, it’s either because you don’t mind working with wired accessories, or you find the price tag for wireless commercial two-way radios to be too steep. In either case, you can still look to RCA for the best sound quality, coverage, and performance by coupling a mid-tier radio model with a wired speaker mic and earpiece. 

The only difference (beyond the wires) is that you won’t have a unit that’s intrinsically safe. But that may not matter if you aren’t working in hazardous conditions. 

As an alternative, check out the RDR2500. It may be considered mid-tier, but it’s still our most popular radio because it offers the right balance of price, function, and quality that most of our customers need in order to get the job done. That’s why we always make sure to have plenty of these units in stock, regardless of how backed up you might hear the supply chain has become.

Would You Like To Try RCA’s Wireless Radios?

Whether you have questions regarding the information above, or you’d like to try out wireless commercial two-way radios from RCA’s 4200 series, we want to hear from you! Give us a call at 888.299.6340 to speak with one of our award-winning customer service representatives. We’ll pick up immediately and make sure you get the right radios that meet your needs, budget, and preference. In the event that the units you want aren’t in stock, you won’t have to worry about waiting months for your backorders to finally arrive. Our fulfillment times are measured in days or weeks at most, and are still the fastest in the industry.