What is push to talk over cellular (PoC)?

Push to talk over cellular (PoC) allows you to use your mobile phone or tablet as if it were a two-way radio. Alternatively, a PoC radio, tablet, or body camera uses cellular networks to transmit messages. You don’t need to dial a number to get in touch. Just push the button and talk to your colleagues instantly.

Wondering whether a PoC-enabled device is right for your teams? In this article, we’ll unpack how they work, what they do, and the workplace scenarios in which they’ll prove most useful. 

How does push to talk work?

Whether your device is a PoC radio, a body camera, or a mobile phone with a PoC software app, it uses WiFI, 4G, LTE, or 5G networks to send and receive messages. Users communicate by pushing a dedicated button on the device or within a smartphone app whenever they need to send a message. When they do so, their workmates will hear it and can respond. 

The server-based system allows for individual private user groups as well as group channels, so you can choose to talk to a single person, select a specific group, or broadcast your messages to everyone in your group. 

Pros and cons of PoC push to talk communications systems

The main advantage of PoC devices is their range. Because they use cellular networks, you can communicate with teammates across the country or even internationally. As long as they can connect to the cellular network, you will be able to hear their messages or send messages to them. 

PoC devices are practical for other reasons too. For example, if your employees need to have a mobile phone to call clients, their devices can double as push to talk radios giving you and your team the benefits of two devices in one. Or perhaps you need a device that’s as rugged as a two-way radio while having the same reach as a mobile phone. Again, PoC technology will be a good choice. 

There may be cost savings in store. Since you’re using mobile networks, you don’t have to worry about paying for and setting up radio infrastructure. And, if you choose a subscription app for communication, existing smartphones instantly become “two-way radios.”

Extra functionality may be helpful. For instance, a most two-way radios can only send voice messages. A PoC-enabled smartphone or body camera can share images and video footage. Of course, GPS-tracking is part of the package and that’s especially helpful when you need to check in on lone workers to ensure that they’re safe or to help find them if they need help during an emergency. 

However, PoC devices will only work when there is network coverage, and if the signal is poor or the network is congested, they may not perform optimally. This makes PoC devices unsuitable when your employees work in areas with poor network coverage and in contexts where instant communication is critically important.

When to choose PoC: examples

Before we look at real-life examples, consider the parameters for PoC. Firstly, the communication is non-critical, so a dip in connectivity or a congested network that lags won’t cause issues. You want the wider coverage and multimedia functionality that comes with PoC communications and you’re reasonably sure that everyone in your groups will have access to a strong mobile signal. With this in mind, contexts for PoC deployment include:

Logistics and public transport: Mobile signals are good along main routes, so you can give instructions or receive information that keeps you in touch with your fleet.

Local government: Your teams are widely dispersed but you need to update them on the latest requests for service and help them prioritise tasks in the light of changing circumstances.

Events and hospitality: To provide the guest experience you’ve planned, different teams must coordinate their activities. Receive updates and deploy staff efficiently using your PoC devices.

Site maintenance: Whether it’s an airport, a farm, a hotel, or an office building, maintenance teams must be prepared to perform routine and emergency tasks. PoC devices help you to direct them to address the most important site maintenance tasks first. 

Lone workers: For safety and operational reasons, you should know where lone workers are at any given time. Your PoC devices allow for regular check-ins and updates. 

All-teams updates: PoC group calling allows you to keep all teams up to speed with coordinated activities.

Push to talk over cellular: is it right for you?

When it comes to remote communication, Radiocoms has the specialist experience you need to find solutions that are both effective and cost efficient. We believe in choosing the right communications tools for every task – no more, and no less. Whether you’re running a nuclear power plant or a tourist bus service, we’ll help you to identify and evaluate your options. From rugged push to talk radio systems to mobile phone apps that keep you in touch with your teams, contact us today and we’ll help you determine what’s right for your needs.