PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) carries team voice calls over a supported cellular or Wi-Fi connection. It can suit wide-area operations when the chosen network and platform work on the team's actual routes. GPS, SOS and other features depend on the device, platform and package. Tell us where your team works and which calls matter; compare PoC, conventional radio or a tested mix.
Consider PoC when teams need wide-area communication and the chosen network and platform work on their actual routes. Keep conventional radio where a suitable local system meets the need or required work areas lack usable cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity. Assess a hybrid when these conditions differ across the operation; connecting the two systems is a separate compatibility and integration question.
Check your fit
What is PoC radio?
PoC — Push-to-Talk over Cellular — carries group voice calls through a supported cellular or Wi-Fi connection and a service platform. Network availability, call setup, delay and optional functions depend on the chosen device, service and package. Check the team's actual operating routes and the proposed setup before rollout.
Press PTT
One button on a dedicated PoC device or app — just like a walkie talkie.
Voice → data
Your voice is digitised into data packets, ready for the mobile network.
Cellular / Wi-Fi
Packets use a connection supported by the chosen device and service to reach the PoC platform.
Group hears it
The platform distributes the audio to the intended recipient or group. Call setup, delay and reliability depend on the connection and platform performance.
PoC radio vs conventional walkie talkie.
Both support push-to-talk workflows. Compare the required routes, supported functions, equipment and service costs on the actual proposals.
Network-based voice and supported features
- Coverage — subject to usable coverage from the selected network, service and device. Verify required routes and any cross-border service arrangements.
- Features — confirm required voice, messaging, location, emergency and multimedia functions on the exact device, platform and package.
- Infrastructure — uses the selected network and service platform; confirm any device, dispatch or integration setup in the proposal.
- Cost — confirm device, data, platform and optional-feature charges. Compare the complete proposal over the intended service period.
- Catch — needs network signal; no coverage means no comms.
Direct radio for local operations
- Coverage — local; extended with a repeater, but bounded by range, terrain and buildings.
- Features — voice (and data on digital), single-function and rugged.
- Infrastructure — radios you own; a repeater for bigger sites.
- Cost — equipment and setup, plus applicable maintenance, power, site access, consumables and regulatory charges. Compare the costs that apply to the proposed conventional-radio setup.
- Catch — needs an MCMC apparatus assignment for the frequency.
Advantages & limitations of PoC.
Why teams switch to PoC
- Wide-area calls where the chosen network, service and device are supported. Confirm coverage and any cross-border service arrangements before deployment.
- Voice and supported data or multimedia functions in a suitable device and service package.
- Location and tracking functions where supported and enabled; confirm accuracy, update behaviour and the intended operational use.
- Confirm available encryption, access controls and dispatch features with the provider for the proposed service.
What to plan around
- Network dependence — no cellular or Wi-Fi signal means no communication.
- Include any recurring connectivity, platform and optional-feature charges specified in the PoC proposal when comparing total service cost. Confirm the billing period, contract terms and included features.
- Battery life can be shorter than long-standby radios when using data features.
- Call setup, delay and audio reliability depend on connectivity and platform performance. Test the required routes and busy operating periods before rollout.
Follow the route. Then choose the radio.
Wide-area teams need a working connection where the job happens. Start with routes, shift needs and the proposed package.
Open the PoC pilot worksheet- 01Check the real route
Test the chosen SIM/network indoors and along working routes, during actual operations.
- 02Test the essentials
Verify group calls and shift battery needs. Test GPS or SOS only when included.
- 03Choose a tested setup
Compare PoC, conventional radio or hybrid. Confirm fees and the fallback before rollout.
Illustrative decision flow, not a live network test. Coverage maps do not establish service at every required location.
Choose PoC after the route and cost check
On smaller screens, swipe the table sideways. Keyboard users can focus the table and use the arrow keys.
| Check | PoC proposal | Conventional or hybrid proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Test the chosen SIM/network, indoor areas and travel routes during working conditions | Test local radio paths and any repeater coverage; identify which users depend on each system. |
| Initial cost | Devices, accessories, activation, configuration and any dispatch setup | Radios, accessories, programming and any justified infrastructure or integration work. |
| Recurring cost | Confirm per-device data, platform, dispatch and optional feature fees; billing period and contract terms | Confirm maintenance, power, site access, consumables and applicable fees; add PoC charges for hybrid users. |
| Features and fit | Verify required voice, GPS, SOS, video or recording on the exact device/platform/package | Verify the actual radio features and any cross-system call workflow; do not assume automatic interoperability. |
| Changeover | User/group setup, training, retained accessories and temporary equipment | Existing channel plan, retained equipment, user training and agreed change window. |
| Exit and support | Confirm support scope, cancellation terms and whether needed configurations or records can be exported | Confirm service responsibilities, backup equipment and how users return to the agreed fallback. |
Before rollout, test required group calls, intelligibility, call setup, working routes and shift battery needs. Test GPS/SOS or dispatch features only if included in the agreed scope. Record the acceptance criteria and responsible reviewer in advance; do not rely on a coverage map alone. If required routes fail, pause expansion and assess another network, a local radio path or a tested hybrid arrangement.
For a useful quotation, send the number of users, routes, shift length and required features. Request one-off, recurring and migration costs separately, including contract duration, exclusions and any charges for optional services. A national coverage claim does not establish service at every required location.
Common PoC questions.
Do PoC radios need an MCMC licence in Malaysia?
What's the monthly cost of a PoC radio?
Does PoC work without a phone signal?
What's the difference between PoC and a normal walkie talkie?
Can PoC radios track team location?
Keep comparing.
Long-range radio vs mobile phone
If you're weighing PoC because phones feel limiting on site, see the full worksite comparison.
MCMC walkie talkie licence
What conventional radios need before they go live in Malaysia — and what PoC skips.
Is PoC right for your team?
Tell us your coverage area, how the team moves and the features you need — we'll recommend PoC, conventional radio or a hybrid, with the right devices.
Ask about PoC radio