Licence-Free v Licenced Radios: Which Device Type Should You Use?
27/11/2023
When it comes to licence-free radios v licenced radios there's several things to be mindful of. Firstly, you have to understand that they don't operate on the same frequencies, have different build qualities, and importantly their power output isn't the same (licence-free has 0.5W of output v licenced which, on average, has 4W of output).
In this blog we'll take a deeper dive into the considerations listed above and explain why it's important for some industries to make sure they're using the right radio type.
Not on the same frequency
The clue is in the title of both devices here. Licence-free radios operate on open PMR446 frequencies, so they don't need any official licence to be operated legally. On the flip side, licenced radios need an OFCOM two-way radio licence in the UK to be used legally.
For licence-free users this means they can use the device straight out of the box, with no requirement to programme them. You simply turn the radio on and choose a channel - but be careful, depending on what industry you're in, you must be aware of the fact that other licence-free radio users can access the same channels as you. So, if you need to have discreet, confidential conversations then you need to consider using a licenced radio.
Licence-free - but at what cost?
It's no secret that licence-free devices are cheaper than licenced radios. And it's often the cost of them that makes them so popular. But with cost-effective pricing comes some limitations, particularly if they're used in challenging environments.
If you're using licence-free radios but operating on a large site, or in a harsh environment then you're going to experience communication challenges. You're unlikely to experience good coverage, and harsh conditions will see the device detoriate or break quickly if not looked after.
You can end up experiencing unplanned downtime and the need to regularly replace devices. What was budgeted as a one-off cost can turn into repeat costs that can soon add up, as licence-free models are designed for extensive business use.
For some industries, like education, using licence-free radios can be detrimental to safeguarding efforts. Their presence on open frequencies means that users outside of the school grounds can intercept confidential conversations. If those conversations are centred around young people, then the consequences could be severe.
Built differently
The difference in cost between devices can be noticeable, and as briefly mentioned above, some of this comes down to build quality. Licenced radios are more robust than their cheaper counterpart, and will 99 times out of 100 come out on top with:
- Withstanding repeated drops or drops from a height
- IP rating, i.e. water resistance and dust resistance
- Available smart features and software
- Materials used in building the radio
The long and short of it
When deciding which radio to purchase, you have to work out whether it's a short-term solution or something you'll need for the long-term. Once you work this out, it's important to assess:
- What type of environment you operate in
- What coverage range you need on a day-to-day basis
- What the radios are being used for - i.e. is it for worker safety or just for basic two-way communication
- What your budget is - and whether it will give you the right solution over time
If you're unsure about what device type is right for you, then contact us today. We recommend the right solutions for a wide range of businesses across the UK. You can also get in touch with us via 0800 328 0100 between 8:30am and 5:15pm, Monday to Friday.
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