Inrico T320 and Similar Network Radios

[Iamspt]

Curious to know... If one were to have a handful of these devices, how do you talk to one another without using Zello? 

[Radioguy7268]

The concept of most of those PTT over Cellular "network" radios is that they give a potentially HUGE coverage area, and transmit voice over IP.  You gain tons of potential coverage (as long as you are in an area that actually has cellular coverage) in exchange for paying a small fee for using bits of data. 

As you figured out, you can kind of do the same thing already if you've already got a cellphone and the Zello app.  No need to purchase a dedicated piece of equipment, but then again, it's an extra device to hang on your belt, and we all know that chicks dig a guy with lots of antennas. 

[PACNWComms]

Similar to what Rapid Radio seems to be shilling, no monthly fees and continent wide coverage. I often have customers that see the ads and think they will have a ~$300 "radio" that will work anywhere in North America, with no monthly fee. 

Rapid Radios use cellular band, and have a one year SIM card activation included in their initial cost......then you must be in cellular range. And can only talk within your network. 

Zello is far more useful, as is FRS/GMRS radio (GMRS with a license of course). 

To think.....the ~$1000 cell phone that many people carry might work for other things too?

Great point on mentioning Zello.

[OffRoaderX]

1 hour ago, PACNWComms said:

Rapid Radios use cellular band, and have a one year SIM card activation included in their initial cost......then you must be in cellular range. And can only talk within your network. 

..and you have to pay that fee again every year, but hey, it's not a MONTHLY fee!

They also tote their "TransPhoneRadios" (cellphones dressed up as radios) as great for emergency/SHTF use... Too bad the first thing to stop working in most emergencies/SHTF scenarios is the celltowers and cellphone networks.

[PACNWComms]

Also annoys me how many "emergency management" entities are going solely with cell phone based systems, even FirstNet has its issues and having both cellular and straight radio for backup comms is always the best way to go (HF to SHF, with landline and other methods to augment). 

Glad I am not working true emergency management anymore, too many people that think IT can keep comms up in emergencies. Or, those that want to push the lowest common denominator, some scam that is advertised well but not honest and practical. 

We need a good nationwide emergency to set things back twenty years or so......but then grant money would just get thrown everywhere.