Digital mobile radios vs Push-to-Talk over Cellular: Which solution is best for retail security radio?

The different radio technologies on the market and the jargon often associated with them can understandably seem a little daunting, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy or it’s your first foray into radio security systems. 

While you don’t need to be an expert to make two-way radio security work for your business, (that’s our job!) it can help to have a basic understanding so you can choose the right solution and set up for your organisation’s requirements. 

In this blog, we explore the differences between digital mobile radio and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) and compare the two technologies in vital areas like coverage, performance and security.

What’s the difference between digital two-way radio and PTToC? 

Both digital two-way radio and PTToC use a Push-to-Talk mechanism, where the user presses and holds a button on a device to transmit a voice message to other users on the network. Releasing the button ends the transmission and allows the user’s device to receive a message - just like a walkie-talkie.

The difference is in how these messages are transmitted. Digital mobile radio uses radio frequencies and dedicated infrastructure like repeaters and base stations, while PTToC operates using mobile networks like 4G and 5G. This technology has matured over recent years and is a more recent addition to the retail security toolbelt than digital radio. 

Digital vs PPToC: How do they compare?

Coverage and reliability

Digital two-way radio systems provide high-quality, consistent coverage within their programmed range, making them a trusted, effective method of instant communication. They often work well in busy urban and indoor environments, like shopping malls, as they can penetrate buildings. While it’s possible that digital radio could be affected by infrastructure or hardware failure or network interference, these issues are rare. 

In comparison, PTToC requires a stable connection to a mobile network, and is therefore reliant on its cell towers, backhaul and data servers. PTToC is only as good as its network. If your provider experiences an outage or if the signal is weak in a particular location, as can often be the case in busy shopping locations, your service will be impacted. Yet, if your network is strong, it can give you highly reliable, nationwide coverage - a far broader range than digital. 

Downtime and dependency challenges

When evaluating reliability, it’s also important to consider a network’s dependency on external factors and the likely duration and impact of downtime.

As digital networks are independent of mobile network operators and have fewer points of failure, the risk of third-party failures is much lower. However, in the unlikely event that the digital infrastructure fails, components require on-site repair, which can delay the recovery of the network somewhat. In the meantime, direct radio-to-radio communication will still be possible within range, but not on the wider network.

With cellular networks, outages and recovery depend on the service provider and their infrastructure. PPToC is typically more vulnerable to congestion and outages, while cloud-based services are growing targets for cyberattacks. 

Major network outages can take hours, or longer, to resolve, during which time the service is down altogether. Yet, mobile networks are becoming increasingly strong, fast and reliable as the technology matures. 

Latency 

The fast and effective transmission of information is crucial for effective crime prevention and protecting staff and customers. For low-latency, digital radio typically takes the top spot, as communication via its dedicated network is almost instantaneous.

PPToC is typically higher latency, as data is encrypted and processed by a server as it’s sent via the mobile network. However, the difference is a matter of milliseconds, and 5G networks have significantly reduced latency, making it an attractive option for mission-critical functions.

Cost considerations

When weighing up your options, it’s important to consider the different cost models associated with digital radio and PPToC. Digital radio typically requires a higher upfront investment for the necessary hardware and infrastructure, but once you’ve paid the initial amount and you’re up and running, there are no recurring expenses.

In comparison, PTToC doesn’t require as much upfront investment, as it utilises existing cellular networks, but it does require monthly data plans, like a mobile phone contract. 

Scalability and interoperability 

When investing in a retail security solution, it’s important to make sure that it’s not just right for your organisational set-up right now, but that it will continue to serve you and adapt with you into the future. 

As digital radio is limited to the range of its network, further expansion would require investment in additional repeaters and infrastructure. As PPToC uses mobile networks, it’s more easily scalable. Plus, it easily integrates with a range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to multi-device dispatch systems.

Durability and maintenance 

It’s also important to consider how long your devices will last, how often they’ll need to be charged and replaced. 

Digital mobile radios usually consume less power and have a longer battery life than PTToC devices, lasting around 8-12 hours. As PTToC must connect and process data via a network, battery life can be significantly shorter, although it depends on the device itself. 

Typically, digital radios are rugged and robust, designed for heavy-duty use. They do require periodic maintenance, but the issues are usually predictable and easily remedied, like deteriorating battery life over time or repeater failures. At M.R.S., we provide customers with free battery replacements for life so they can be confident in the durability and reliability of their solution.

On the other hand, PTToC devices can more quickly become outdated, affected by network throttling, software upgrades or planned obsolescence. The rapid pace of tech innovation and upgrades can cause issues for cellular, with potential future 3G shutdowns casting doubts over the longevity of older PTToC devices. 

Choosing the right retail radio security solution for your business 

Both digital radio and PTToC have merits and strong use cases in busy retail security environments. While digital ticks boxes in reliability, independence and low-latency, PTToC provides wide area coverage and scalability at a lower upfront cost. 

It’s difficult to rank one over the other, and the best solution for your organisation, BCRP or BID can be very different to the next. It entirely depends on your organisational set-up, objectives and other important nuances.  

If you need help deciding on the right solution for your organisation or you’d like to learn more about our innovative StoreNet solution (which can operate on digital or PTToC), we’d be happy to help. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today.