WHAT IS POC COMMUNICATION
Transforming The Way We Communicate
POC (Push-to-Talk Over Cellular) communication is a type of wireless communication technology that utilizes a cellular network to connect users. It is similar to traditional two-way radio communication, but instead of using dedicated radio channels, it uses a cellular network to connect users. This allows PTT communication to be more flexible and accessible, as it does not require a dedicated radio infrastructure.
Unlimited Range
Unlimited Channels
Smart Device Compatibility
Live Voice Playback
GPS Location Reporting and Mapping
From Limited to Limitless Communication
For years, two-way radios have served as reliable communications devices for mobile teams. More recently, the broad demand for mobile communication devices has led to the rapid development of mobile phones – cell phones – and their cellular networks. More recently still, the development of Push-To-Talk (PTT) applications has allowed companies to turn their mobile phones into two-way radios, thus allowing simplex and duplex communication through a single, multifunction device. This technology is most commonly known as Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) in reference to the push-to-talk communication of two-way radios.
Push-to-Talk over Cellular is Now
PTT communication, users press a button on their device, such as a smartphone or a specialized PTT device, to transmit their voice and release the button to listen. This allows for quick, easy, and efficient communication, without the need for a dedicated radio channel or network.
POC communication can be used in various industries, such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing, as well as in public safety and emergency services. In these industries, it can be used for tasks such as coordinating logistics, managing field operations, or communicating with remote workers. PTT communication can also be used for personal use, such as for motorcycle riders to communicate with each other while on the road.
The use of POC communication systems enables users to communicate in real-time, without the need for a dedicated infrastructure, and also allows for group communication, where multiple people can participate in a conversation at the same time. Some PTT systems also include additional features such as GPS tracking, recording, and integration with other systems.
POC communication technology has advanced in recent years, with the advent of advanced features such as group calling, call recording, GPS tracking, and integration with other systems. PTT providers offer different solutions and plans, which can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different industries and organizations.
Communication Without Borders
PTT application providers, realizing that a hard switch from radio to PoC may be too uncertain for many organizations, are investing in software development or acquisitions to provide PTT apps that integrate PoC into two-way radio communication. This allows mobile phone users to communicate on specified radio channels and makes adoption easily scalable. It also makes group tests virtually risk free and allows companies to scale their adoption rate up to a suitable point in the organization, which could be a total replacement of twoway radio communication by PoC.
PoC Checklist
Mobile Devices: The mobile device can be a smart phone, tablet, flip phone, or a featured phone supported by a specific PTT app maker. Common choices are Android phones and tablets from manufacturers such as Samsung, as well as Apple’s iPhones and iPads. For industries in rough environments, a ruggedized phone like a Sonim XP8 is often a preference; these phones often carry an integrated PTT button. No matter what mobile device is selected, the user should ensure that the PTT app and other work tool apps and needed audio accessories are available and supported by the device and function flawlessly.
Mobile Network: Different types of data networks are available for PoC technologies. For data speed and therefore speed of communication and reliability, LTE networks are the networks of choice. Most PTT application work well even in 3G networks with only limited effect on communication quality. The data consumption of PTT apps has proved to be relatively low. Even in high communication environments, the data rarely passes 1 GB per month. For local applications such as airports or in the manufacturing industry, WiFi networks are a reliable option.
Mobile Apps: PTT apps from different providers have different features and options. Some PTT apps are free for up to a designated number of users which might be extremely valuable for smaller companies with few users. PTT apps are also offered by carriers; most work with at least one PTT app maker to offer a solution for their business customers. This can be convenient – one-stop-shopping when talking to a sales representative who can provide the mobile device, the data plan, the PTT app and the accessory. A disadvantage of the carrier solution is that it is restricted to a certain network while other PTT apps that can work cross-carrier might be a better option for organizations with global communication requirements.
PoC Accessories: Because most mobile phones and tablets are multi-task tools, they have not been designed specifically for PoC communication. PoC accessories, however, can optimize their PoC use. These accessories allow the user to keep the mobile phone in the pocket safely protected from dust and moisture but still communicate with a single button press. This ease of use leads to an additional increase in communication. Accessories can also resolve other communication concerns.
What are the benefits of PoC?
PoC offers several benefits over traditional two-way radio communication systems, including:
- Cost-effectiveness: PoC is much more cost-effective than traditional two-way radio communication systems, as it does not require the purchase of any additional equipment.
- Flexibility: PoC allows users to communicate from anywhere with a cellular connection, making it a highly flexible solution.
- Instant communication: PoC enables users to communicate instantly, which is crucial in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
- Improved productivity: PoC can help improve productivity by enabling workers to communicate quickly and effectively, even when they are on the move.
Transportation
POC offers a safe, reliable and efficient communication when moving people or products by ground, air, rail, or waterways.
Event Services
Communications is essential for event services specialists responsible for making all events happen without a hitch.
First Responder
Communications is essential for event services specialists responsible for making all events happen without a hitch.
Riders & Drivers
POC offers a safe, reliable and efficient communication when moving people or products by ground, air, rail, or waterways.
Field Service Companies
Whether you’re coordinating with one team or multiple teams, push-to-talk technology over cellular moves expedient communication forward.
Construction
Effectively communicating with all the people, moving pieces and parts just got much easier thanks to push-to-talk (PTT) technology.
IASUS Leading the Way in POC
Product Name | IASUS REKON | Sena 50S | Sena 50R (No jog dial) | Cardo Packtalk Bold | Sena 20S Evo | Sena 30K | Uclear Motion Infinity |
Bluetooth | BT 5.0 BLE | BT 5.0 | BT 5.0 | BT 4.1 | BT4.1 | BT 4.1 | BT 5.0 |
Technology | Push-to-talk Over Cellular (POC) | Mesh 2.0 + Bluetooth | Mesh 2.0 + Bluetooth | DMC + Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Mesh 2.0 + Intercom | Up to 18 hours |
Talk Time | 10 hours | 9 hours Mesh Comm or 14 hours Intercom | 8 hours Mesh Comm or 13 hours Intercom | 13 hours | Up to 13 hours | 8 hours Mesh Intercom or 13 hours BT Intercom | Up to 18 hours |
Standby Time | 250 hours | N/A | N/A | 1 week | N/A | N/A | 400 hours |
Voice Commands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Waterproof | Water Resistant? | Water Resistant | Water Resistant | IP67 Waterproof | Water Resistant | Water Resistant | Waterproof (no rating provided) |
Headset Profile (HSP) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hands-Free Profile (HFP) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Audio Profiles | A2DP and aptX HD | A2DP and AVRCP | A2DP and AVRCP | A2DP and AVRCP | A2DP and AVRCP | A2DP and AVRCP | A2DP and AVRCP |
Sound | XSound 3 HD Speakers or XSound 2.1 Speakers | HD Speakers | HD Speakers | Sound by JBL | Sena Original Speakers | Sena Original Speakers 40mm x 6.5mm | 40mm |
Main Control | Spring-loaded jog dial + button | Jog dial + button | Buttons | Backroller + button | Jog dial + button | Jog dial + button | Button + motion control |
Dimensions | 1”/25mm diameter (Interface) 57-69mm x 23-32mm (Mic body) | Main module: 102 mm x 56 mm x 27 mm (4.0 in x 2.2 in x 1.1 in) | Main module: 97 mm x 48 mm x 27mm (3.8 in x 1.8 in x 1.0 in) | Height: 49mm Length: 91mm Depth: 25mm Weight: 57gm | Main Module: 94.7 mm x 48.3 mm x 25.5 mm (3.7 in x 1.9 in x 1.0 in) | Main module: 102 mm x 56 mm x 27 mm (4.0 in x 2.2 in x 1.1 in) | Controller Size: 72 x 44 x 26mm (2.8 x 1.7 x 1 inch) |
Battery | ?? | ?? | Less capacity than 50S | 850mAh | 650mAh | Lithium Polymer | 650mAh |
Connector | Micro-USB | USB-C | USB-C | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | USB-C |
Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years |
Mobile App | IASUS Integration with Eschat and Zello | Sena App | Sena App | Cardo Connect App | Sena App | Sena App | ClearLink App |
No. of Riders | Up to 10,000 | 24 Group Mesh Intercom | 24 Group Mesh Intercom | Up to 15 | 8 | 24 Group Mesh Intercom | Infinite |
Range | Unlimited Range | Up to 1.2 Miles in open terrain | Up to 1.2 Miles in open terrain | Up to 1 Mile in perfect conditions | Up to 1.2 Miles in open terrain | Up to 1.2 Miles in open terrain | 0.75 Mile per person |
Channels | Unlimited Channels | ?? | ?? | ?? | ?? | ?? | |
Digital Assistant Access | Yes (mobile assistant) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Message Archive | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
AES-256 Voice Encryption | Available | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Real-Time PTT | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
1:1 Push-to-Talk Calls | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Group PTT Calls | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Late Join on Group Calls | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Integrated GPS Locations & Mapping | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Real-time Position on Active Calls | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Display Contacts on Map | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
How does PoC differ from other forms of communication?
PoC differs from other forms of communication, such as text messaging and voice calls, in several key ways:
- Real-time communication: Unlike text messaging and voice calls, PoC enables users to communicate in real-time, which is essential in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
- Group communication: PoC allows users to communicate with multiple people at the same time, making it an ideal solution for group communication.
- Instant transmission: PoC allows users to transmit voice messages instantly, making it a highly efficient solution for communicating important information quickly.