POC (Push-to-Talk Over Cellular) communication is a type of wireless communication technology that utilizes a cellular network to connect users. It is similar to traditional two-way radio communication, but instead of using dedicated radio channels, it uses a cellular network to connect users. This allows PTT communication to be more flexible and accessible, as it does not require a dedicated radio infrastructure.
Smart Device Compatibility
Live Voice Playback
GPS Location Reporting and Mapping
From Limited to Limitless Communication
For years, two-way radios have served as reliable communications devices for mobile teams. More recently, the broad demand for mobile communication devices has led to the rapid development of mobile phones – cell phones – and their cellular networks. More recently still, the development of Push-To-Talk (PTT) applications has allowed companies to turn their mobile phones into two-way radios, thus allowing simplex and duplex communication through a single, multifunction device. This technology is most commonly known as Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) in reference to the push-to-talk communication of two-way radios.
Push-to-Talk over Cellular is Now
n PTT communication, users press a button on their device, such as a smartphone or a specialized PTT device, to transmit their voice and release the button to listen. This allows for quick, easy, and efficient communication, without the need for a dedicated radio channel or network.
POC communication can be used in various industries, such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing, as well as in public safety and emergency services. In these industries, it can be used for tasks such as coordinating logistics, managing field operations, or communicating with remote workers. PTT communication can also be used for personal use, such as for motorcycle riders to communicate with each other while on the road.
The use of POC communication systems enables users to communicate in real-time, without the need for a dedicated infrastructure, and also allows for group communication, where multiple people can participate in a conversation at the same time. Some PTT systems also include additional features such as GPS tracking, recording, and integration with other systems.
POC communication technology has advanced in recent years, with the advent of advanced features such as group calling, call recording, GPS tracking, and integration with other systems. PTT providers offer different solutions and plans, which can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different industries and organizations.
Communication Without Borders
PTT application providers, realizing that a hard switch from radio to PoC may be too uncertain for many organizations, are investing in software development or acquisitions to provide PTT apps that integrate PoC into two-way radio communication. This allows mobile phone users to communicate on specified radio channels and makes adoption easily scalable. It also makes group tests virtually risk free and allows companies to scale their adoption rate up to a suitable point in the organization, which could be a total replacement of twoway radio communication by PoC.
Mobile Devices: The mobile device can be a smart phone, tablet, flip phone, or a featured phone supported by a specific PTT app maker. Common choices are Android phones and tablets from manufacturers such as Samsung, as well as Apple’s iPhones and iPads. For industries in rough environments, a ruggedized phone like a Sonim XP8 is often a preference; these phones often carry an integrated PTT button. No matter what mobile device is selected, the user should ensure that the PTT app and other work tool apps and needed audio accessories are available and supported by the device and function flawlessly.
Mobile Network: Different types of data networks are available for PoC technologies. For data speed and therefore speed of communication and reliability, LTE networks are the networks of choice. Most PTT application work well even in 3G networks with only limited effect on communication quality. The data consumption of PTT apps has proved to be relatively low. Even in high communication environments, the data rarely passes 1 GB per month. For local applications such as airports or in the manufacturing industry, WiFi networks are a reliable option.
Mobile Apps: PTT apps from different providers have different features and options. Some PTT apps are free for up to a designated number of users which might be extremely valuable for smaller companies with few users. PTT apps are also offered by carriers; most work with at least one PTT app maker to offer a solution for their business customers. This can be convenient – one-stop-shopping when talking to a sales representative who can provide the mobile device, the data plan, the PTT app and the accessory. A disadvantage of the carrier solution is that it is restricted to a certain network while other PTT apps that can work cross-carrier might be a better option for organizations with global communication requirements.
PoC Accessories: Because most mobile phones and tablets are multi-task tools, they have not been designed specifically for PoC communication. PoC accessories, however, can optimize their PoC use. These accessories allow the user to keep the mobile phone in the pocket safely protected from dust and moisture but still communicate with a single button press. This ease of use leads to an additional increase in communication. Accessories can also resolve other communication concerns.