Advanced functions are making push-to-talk over cellular/IP (PoC) combined with radio-as-a-service (RaaS) an attractive option for security professionals, says Jim McMahon.

Key communications

Security personnel are often the ones patrolling a facility in place of police, or those first on the scene before calling the police.

For security professionals functioning in industries like retail, oil and gas, logistics, mining, power, education, healthcare, construction, entertainment, hospitality and agriculture, staying connected in real-time is essential for safety and productivity.

Having reliable, clear communication between security staff is critical.

Two-way radios fulfill this need, allowing users to transmit and receive person-to-person voice and visual communications, enabling security staff to communicate effectively and respond proactively to incidents. 

Two-way radio systems

Setting up a conventional two-way radio system for a security operation, however, typically comes at a considerable capital investment.

This includes handheld radio devices, hardware such as a base station and repeaters to rebroadcast a two-way radio signal for increased range, programming fees, installation costs, FCC licensing fees, replacement accessories and equipment repairs, maintenance and servicing costs. 

All too often, though, when a security business purchases radio communications equipment as a capital expenditure it is for their immediate needs and there is inadequate consideration for future scaling.

While purchasing equipment by capital expenditure means the business owns the asset, it also means the company is responsible for managing the hardware, potentially losing out on new technologies or products that are more useful and better suited to its operational needs.

The main objective for any business, security or otherwise, would be to maintain steady growth.

When choosing radio communications equipment that will keep the security company’s team connected and the operation running smoothly, an optimum solution is one that does not put limits on growth or unnecessary strain the company’s budget.

Buying new equipment every time the business expands or changes will not always be a viable option.

A better solution would be one that is flexible and cost-effective with the ability to adapt to the company’s operational needs.

Push-to-talk over cellular/IP

One such solution is push-to-talk over cellular/IP (PoC).

Unlike traditional two-way radios that rely on radio frequency (RF) transmissions, PoC is an instant communication device that is based on cellular service and/or internet networks, incorporating push-to-talk technology into a radio handset to connect users in real time.

PoC allows users to communicate with one or more receivers instantly, in a half-duplex mode, that is, both parties can send and receive information but not at the same time.

A data plan SIM card (similar to those used in cell phones) is installed in the PoC device to enable rapid access to cellular service and the internet.

When a PoC radio user presses the push-to-talk button on their device, it sends a signal over the cellular or internet network to a PoC server.

The server then forwards the signal to the intended recipient’s PoC device, where it is decoded and played through the device’s speaker. 

PoC radio has emerged as a growing alternative two-way communications system for security applications, largely because of its flexibility for system upgrades and wide range of coverage, but also because of its low capital investment and fast set-up time.

Compared to conventional two-way radio systems, PoC radios provide optimized capabilities for security professionals:

Unlimited channels and bandwith: The PoC platform allows any number of virtual channels and as many call groups as required.

Wider coverage area: Conventional two-way radio systems have gaps in coverage that limit their use.

This can be caused by signal obstruction from terrain, buildings, foliage, being out of range or even bad weather.

PoC solves these issues by translating the radio audio to a digital format, which allows it to be sent easily over cellular and Internet networks.

This can be particularly useful for security users who need to communicate across long distances or in areas where radio coverage may be limited.

Instant individual and group calling: Supports instant individual (one-to-one) and group calls (one-to-many) with the press of a push-to-talk button on the radio device.

Sharing images and video calling: PoC devices with cameras can share pictures and initiate individual and group video calls with other PoC devices.

Text messaging: Users can communicate with each other and dispatch with free-form or pre-programmed text messages.

Safety features: Emergency buttons on PoC devices enable sending and receiving emergency alarms for enhanced worker safety.

GPS location tracking: PoC devices feature integrated GPS to enable location tracking.

Enables tracking of driver locations and travel routes with time stamps and geofence boundaries.

Call logging and recording: Supports recording group calls on the devices.

Rapid deployment: Since the cellular and Internet infrastructure already exist, PoC systems can be deployed very quickly.

PoC radios work out-of-the-box with SIM cards pre-installed.

Scalable system: Easy to add a limitless number of radios.

Security and privacy: Encryption can be integrated to secure and private end-to-end calling.

Rugged design: PoC devices are lightweight, durable and water resistant, designed to withstand tough environments.

Reduced need for expensive infrastructure: PoC radios are more cost-effective than traditional two-way radios, as they have reduced requirements for expensive radio infrastructure to be installed and maintained.

No FCC fees/low maintenance costs: PoC radios are more affordable to operate, as they utilize cellular and internet networks, which require no FCC fees and have lower maintenance fees than traditional radio networks.

PoC combined with radio-as-a-service (RaaS)

Most businesses are familiar with software-as-a-service (SaaS), delivering software solutions that do not burden the customer with managing the service or covering costly upgrades.

Likewise, taking PoC to a higher level of performance can be achieved for security companies by integrating radio-as-a-service (RaaS) into a PoC operation.

RaaS is a turnkey solution that provides ongoing management and support for PoC two-way radios. 

It can include a low monthly fee, maintenance agreement and scalability to add radios as needed. 

RaaS can also help reduce downtime by providing timely repairs and upgrades.

RaaS makes it possible for security businesses to shift up-front capital investments to manageable costs using an operating expenditure model.

The RaaS model offers more flexibility and options in pricing.

While the security business does not own the hardware, they do not have to be concerned with their communications assets becoming obsolete, because they have access to upgrades without incurring additional costs.

One company that is leading the way for integration of RaaS with PoC for security providers is Versa Innovations.

Delivering two-way communication solutions for security and mission-critical teams under the VERSA brand, the company’s presence in the Philippine market with security professionals has been leveraged with recent product introductions in the US market, where Versa delivers dependable PoC/RaaS command and control communications solutions for security professionals nationwide.

Versa’s latest-generation PoC/RaaS solutions (Versa Aries and Versa Orion models) provide deployable and secure 4G/5G cellular and internet network compatibility, including Android 8 and Android 11 radios Bluetooth enabled for improved indoor conductivity, SIM cards and associated components under an extended network.

Versa Aries and Versa Orion encompass the full spectrum of capabilities one would expect from a complete PoC system, with the addition of a comprehensive RaaS platform for expanded service and cost-reduction features.

These include:

Minimized downtime: Downtime is an inefficiency that no security business can afford.

Versa’s PoC/RaaS platform includes timely repairs, hardware replacements and upgrades to ensure technology is always reliable, so security operations can continue running without interruption.

Superior network security: When it comes to keeping security professional’s information private, outdated encryption technology could put communications at risk.

Since Versa’s PoC/RaaS covers upgrades, network security will always be up-to-date and protected.

Eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure: Versa’s Aries and Orion PoC/RaaS systems reduce infrastructure requirements to a new level, completely eliminating the need for expensive radio infrastructure.

Extensive 24/7 technical support: A vital component with PoC/RaaS performance must rely on an exceptional service capability.

Versa’s Aries and Orion PoC/RaaS systems have redefined what it means to provide exceptional service throughout diverse sectors of the security industry.

Attractive option for security professionals

Wide coverage, with support for advanced functions like video calls, multimedia messages, GPS location tracking and emergency notifications, combined with no hardware capital expenses or FCC licensing fees and system flexibility, is making PoC together with RaaS an attractive option for security professionals.