Two way radios offer the ability to receive and broadcast signals, meaning you can hear the radio waves sent and you can also send them back. With many different functions, two way radios in the UK are becoming increasingly popular. Many people may already be familiar with them and want to invest in this useful communication tool but are unsure of the pricing. Read on to find out if two way radios really are expensive.
A Sliding Scale
Just like most products, two-way radios vary in price, depending on the brand and functionality. You can pick one up that’s below 100 or they can go up to over 500. It all depends on what you’re looking for and how you plan to use it and for what period of time. If it’s for temporary use, you’re obviously better off hiring these radios from Avoira or a similar provider. But if it’s for longer use, then you might want to delve deeply and do your research. Each radio has different features. For example, some models may be used for simple communication. But other models come complete with GPS, text messaging, and even a hands-free option. Depending on what you’ll be using it for, the features will ultimately affect the price of the radio you choose.
What Are You Using It For?
The beauty of two way radios is their versatility. There are endless possibilities for what you can potentially use them for. There are ones more suited for professional use on worksites, and ones that will be ideal for camping trips. If GPS is a feature on a more expensive radio but you’ll only be using them for personal use, it still might be worth considering the function as you never know when a smartphone will fail. Two way radios are normally seen on construction sites, but many other businesses like hospitality are seeing the benefits of them. They allow staff to communicate quickly and in real-time without having to make sure they have a fully charged, full signal mobile phone.
Things To Consider
If you want to use radios, you should go through the policies on them. You would also need to acquire a license (you can find the licensing process explained here) considering that you might want to operate a two-way radio over 2 Watts. Of course, it might vary from country to country, but it is better to acquire a license, regardless of purpose. For instance, when it comes to business purposes, you’ll need a Business Radio License Fee. You’ll generally need to pay a one-off 75 payment, but that covers 5 whole years of usage. Although this may seem like an extra expense, when comparing it to the cost of mobile phones in a business setting, it’s definitely a lot cheaper.
Savings In The Long Run
Once a two way radio is set up, there are no extra running costs like with mobile phones. You won’t need to pay monthly for your minutes used on them or make any other payments once you have your license. There won’t be any system updates that render them obsolete within a few years either. With many two way radios having very similar functionalities to mobile phones, you’re really saving money in the long term.
Overall, two way radios have a varied price tag depending on different factors. As with every investment, it’s best to figure out what your budget will be and what functions you’ll need. This will make sure you spend within your means, but also get the best two way radio for yourself.
