What is a PoC Radio?

PoC means Push-to-Talk over Cellular. One very expensive brand of PoC radio, Rapid Radios, advertises heavily on AM/FM radio, Instagram, and Facebook. You may have heard or seen an ad or endorsement.

PoC radios combines the instant, one-to-many communication of a traditional GMRS radio with the unlimited, global range of 4G/5G LTE cellular networks and Wi-Fi. People use them to bypass the line-of-sight range limitations of standard two-way radios without carrying a fragile and expensive smartphone.

A PoC radio is similar to a GMRS radio except it has a SIM card allowing the use of wireless networks like, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, with no monthly fee. Most PoC radios come with a SIM card good for 1-3 years and renewable for about $10. Several brands are now offering life-time SIMs. You can't dial a phone number with a PoC radio. Instead you program a number or group of numbers you want to contact into the radio. Then, when you press the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button, you are connected instantly with the other radio or radios in your group. This is very similar to how a GMRS radio works except the communication is private, only being heard on the companion radios. A GMRS signal is broadcast over the airwaves and anyone tuned to the channel you are using can hear your conversation.

PoC radios are typically sold in 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-packs, but you can add as many radios as you need to your group. Depending on the brand, and features, prices range from $30 - $100 per radio.

Just press the button and talk. Simple, instant communication between two or more people. Since a PoC radio uses the cellular wireless network, not GMRS frequencies, the range is worldwide. Obviously, for these radios to work the wireless network must be operational. Think of this as an intercom system ... push a button and talk.

• One button.

• Instant communication.

• Nationwide connection. 

• No ringing.

• Just push the button to talk, and let go to listen.

• No apps.

• No software update just to have a conversation.

• No passwords.

• No touch screen.

• No scrolling through contacts.

• No group texts.

• No waiting for a text back.

• Just push the button to talk, and let go to listen.

You can use them every day for family, friends, errands, events, work, travel, and quick check-ins. Then, if something serious ever happens, you already have them ready. They are simple enough for everyday life, but reliable enough to be part of your emergency plan. And once you start using them, you realize pretty quickly how nice it is to have a direct line to the people who matter most. No hassle. Around town, across the state, on the road, at work, or with family in another place, they are built to keep communication easy and private. Just direct communication when it matters.

How They Work:

• Cellular Network - Unlike traditional GMRS type radios that require line-of-sight, use a technology that allows users to communicate across the country or globally, as long as there is cellular coverage.

• Multi-Carrier Access - The devices automatically switch between major cellular networks (AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon) to provide the best possible signal.

• Private and Group Channels - You can have one-on-one private conversations or communicate with groups of up to 200 people.

Here is why emergency teams and individuals choose PoC radios:

• Unlimited Range - Because they use cellular towers and Wi-Fi, you can talk to someone across the country or the globe. Traditional radios are strictly limited by terrain and distance (usually 1–5 miles) unless you invest in expensive repeaters.

• Instant Group Communication - Unlike a smartphone that requires dialing, waiting for a ring, and navigating apps, PoC radios feature a dedicated Push-to-Talk (PTT) button like on a GMRS radio. You press once to broadcast instantly to your entire talk group. And, in an emergency, the last thing you need is something complicated. When things get serious, simple wins.

• Durability and Ergonomics - Unlike expensive, delicate smartphones, PoC radios are built for rugged environments. They are generally drop-proof, water-resistant, feature long-lasting batteries, and lack fragile touchscreens that can break easily.

• Advanced Features - Despite their traditional look, PoC devices often include modern tracking capabilities like built-in GPS, SOS emergency buttons, and cloud-based dispatch systems.

• No Licenses Required - Traditional two-way radios often require an FCC license and frequency coordination to operate legally. PoC radios require no special licensing, making them incredibly easy to deploy.

In any crisis communication is one of the first things you cannot afford to lose. Food, water, batteries, and backup power are important. But if your family is separated everyone is trying to figure out what is happening. Communication becomes the one thing you wish you had planned for better. PoC radios may be something to add to your Communications Kit. Click or Touch HERE to learn more about "Kits".

(We do not recommend or endorse specific products.)