Two-way radio works by converting audio to radio waves that are then transmitted through the air. These radio waves are received by other radios which convert the radio waves back to audio.

The conversion to radio waves can be sent as an analogue signal or a digital signal, with digital transmission being the more modern technology. With digital radio, it is possible to send other types of data over the radio waves such as text messages and status updates. It is even possible to encrypt data when using digital radio to stop people using your network without your permission.

Two-way radio works between the frequencies of 30 MHz (Megahertz) and 1000 MHz, also known as 1 GHz (Gigahertz). This range of two-way frequencies is divided into two categories:

1. Very High Frequency (VHF) - Range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz
2. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) - Range between 300 MHz and 1 GHz.

From these ranges, most two-way radio equipment falls into the 136 - 174 MHz and 403 - 527 MHz parts of the spectrum and must be licenced. Each country has its own organisation tasked with allocating licences, but some two-way radio frequencies are allocated as licence-free (for instance, PMR446 at 446MHz).

It depends on what type of system you require. If you only need a small number of radios in a remote location over a small area then you might be able to use unlicensed radios (such as PMR446). If you require a larger area of coverage, require secure communications, have multiple teams who need to communicate separately, or are operating in a built-up area such as a town centre then you will need to buy licensed equipment.

Radio licencing is a complex topic, but through Motorola Solutions extensive partner network, we can pair you with a local expert to help you find the solution that is right for you while aiding you through the licensing process for your region.

Yes, and no; some functions are common across all manufacturers because they are defined by radio standards such as DMR (see What is DMR?). While basic functionality will work between systems (such as voice transmission), you might want to use features outside those defined by the standards.

Before deciding what equipment to purchase to extend your system, you should check what features you are already using and find out if any are unique to your current equipment. If they are not unique, you should still check with the manufacturers to ensure that interoperability testing has been performed between the systems.

The answer to this question depends on the equipment you are using and the infrastructure you have installed around it. As an example, the International Space Station, orbiting at an altitude of 408 KM uses two-way radio to communicate with the earth, but there are very few obstructions between the station and the antennas so the signal is easily received. In comparison, an unlicensed radio operating inside a building may only work for around 100 metres.

Two-way radio systems can have infrastructure installed around the area of coverage which makes the range of the system only limited by the amount of equipment you can afford to install. Two-way radio repeaters can extend signals over a large area and can be joined together through other means such as the internet to create connected pockets of coverage (such as a multi-site university campus).

Motorola Solutions extensive partner network can we can pair you with a local expert to help you find the right system solution for your unique requirements. Contact us today to start your journey.

Many models of Motorola Solutions two-way radios include GPS functionality which can report the position of the radio over a digital network to a control room. The location functionality can be always-on or only switched on in specific situations such as when the emergency button is pressed.