What is a PoC Radio / Push-to-Talk Over Cellular Radio?

UPDATED 06/05/2025

What are PoC radios?

PoC radios, also known as cellular, broadband or Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) devices, are an exciting development in two-way communication technology. Unlike traditional two-way radios that rely on private radio frequencies and repeaters, PoC radios operate over existing mobile networks such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or a site's Wi-Fi connection. This gives users instant, wide-area communication at the push of a button, anywhere there is cellular coverage.

By using a SIM card, just like a mobile phone, PoC radios connect to cellular networks to deliver reliable and secure voice communication, often without the need for any additional infrastructure.

Key features and benefits of cellular radios

Instant Push-to-Talk Communication: Simply press a button to start speaking to individuals or entire groups instantly, without the need to dial numbers or wait for connections.
Nationwide and International Coverage: Provided there is a mobile network signal or Wi-Fi, PoC radios allow communication across towns, cities, or even internationally.
No Spectrum Licensing Required: There is no need to apply or pay for OFCOM radio licences, reducing both costs and administrative burdens.
Enhanced Features: Many PoC radios come with additional functionalities such as GPS tracking, lone worker protection, group and private calling, video calling, text messaging, and emergency alerts.
Flexibility and Mobility: Ideal for businesses operating across multiple sites, or mobile teams who travel frequently, as radios are not restricted by the range of a local repeater.
Reduced Infrastructure Costs: There is no need to invest in traditional radio towers, repeaters, or complex network installations. All you need is a mobile or Wi-Fi connection.
Ease of Use and Set up: PoC devices are often ready to go straight out of the box and can be programmed or updated "over the air", minimising technical intervention.

What’s in a name?

Push-to-talk over cellular radios are often referred to simply as PoC radios, but they are sometimes known by other names, too. “PTT radio”, “push-to-talk radio”, “4G two-way radio”, “LTE PoC radio” or “Nationwide PTT'' all basically refer to the same thing. As a relatively new technology, the terminology hasn’t quite settled into rigid use yet!

How do push-to-talk over cellular radios work?

PoC radios use a SIM card to access the mobile phone network, operating much like a smartphone but with the simplicity and robustness of a two-way radio. Users press a designated PTT (Push-to-Talk) button to instantly broadcast a message to another individual or an entire group. Communication is clear, fast and seamless, making them highly effective for teams needing reliable voice contact throughout the day.

Some systems also integrate with dispatch software, offering mapping, monitoring, and management tools from a central control room.

Connect Plus Push To Talk Over Cellular

Cellular Radios vs Traditional Two-Way Radios

Feature	PoC Radios	Traditional Two-Way Radios
Coverage	National/International (via mobile network)	Localised (limited to repeater range)
Infrastructure	Minimal (SIM card and network access)	Requires repeaters, towers, licences
Licensing	Not required	Often required (OFCOM licence)
Features	GPS, lone worker, text messaging, group calling	Voice communication only (mostly)
Set-Up	Easy; over-the-air programming	Complex; may require site surveys and hardware installation

Who Uses Cellular / Broadband Radios?

PoC radios are increasingly popular across a range of industries including:

Logistics and Transport
Security and Event Management
Construction and Civil Engineering
Facilities Management
Utilities and Energy
Emergency Services Support Teams

Whether managing a fleet across the country or coordinating a team on a large industrial site, PoC radios offer the flexibility, reliability and instant communication modern businesses demand.

Push-to-talk devices and solutions

There are a wide range of PoC devices available; some look like traditional two-way radios, but the PTT technology is built into some smartphone devices, too. You can also download an app to an existing smartphone to benefit from PoC functionality.

At RadioTrader, we supply leading PoC radio solutions including the Hytera PNC360S and PNC380D, Hytera PNC460 XRugged and Icom IP-M60LTE. We also offer a complete PoC system called Connect Plus, with tailored tariffs and dispatch software packages to suit your operational needs.

What is involved in the installation of a system?

Getting up and running with a PoC system is simple and straightforward, no repeaters, no infrastructure, no radio programming, no licensing costs. The platform can be hosted on devices and SIM cards, or you can host it on your own mobile phone as an app.

Can you still use a POC platform if you have inconsistent network coverage?

The SIM cards used in our PoC radio solutions are not locked to one network supplier. It uses a multi-roaming SIM. A roaming SIM will pick up the strongest network, whether that is a 4G signal or a 3G signal. It can also work over the Wi-Fi network, which is a great solution if you are in and out of buildings or have stubborn areas of coverage within a building.

Why use PoC instead of a mobile phone?

PoC is designed to be used in commercial environments where you need to talk to one or more users instantly, with no connection delays. There’s no need to dial numbers, you simply push the button to speak to the desired user or group.

Mobile phones are obviously limited to one-to-one calls, while phone platforms such as WhatsApp aren’t designed for business use. A PoC system allows you to have access to live user locations, instant group communication, push devices to video and enable a device’s microphone in an emergency situation, reducing response times.

Find Out More

If you would like advice on the best broadband radio solution for your business, please get in touch with our friendly team. We can provide expert recommendations and competitive pricing, ensuring you get the most from your communications investment.