Event security can be a substantial logistical challenge with dozens of things happening at once and people gathering by the thousands. Whether it’s a sporting event, a music series, a trade show, an art festival or a corporate event, it’s all about coordination. And coordination comes down to communication. Are the right people getting the right information in a timely manner?

On October 12, 2015, Motorola will no longer manufacture four of its analog two-way radios (walkie-talkies). This move is expected to encourage users to migrate to superior digital technologies, which provide added operating and performance benefits. Analog has been the primary technology for two-way radios since the 1930s and it has delivered proven reliability and economy.

Intrinsically Safe two-way radios (walkie-talkies) approved to the FM3610_88 standard may only be manufactured through the end of December 2015. The FM3610_88 expired in 2012 and affects products from all Land Mobile Radio manufacturers, that are certified to this standard. There are no known safety issues with two-way radios certified under the FM3610_88 standard.

Second of a three-part series. If you’re buying two-way radios (walkie-talkies) for your organization, you need to do it right and get an FCC license. If you don’t, you’re probably breaking the law.* Besides, there are also ample rewards for operating your radios by the book. For example, you have recourse if other radio operators are making a nuisance of themselves on channels assigned to you.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added more teeth to its edict requiring business radio users to migrate to narrow band frequencies.

Companies and organizations that use high-tech, digital two-way radio (walkie-talkie) networks can’t afford to let communications equipment failures threaten their mission goals.

Businesses in the Houston metropolitan area now have an opportunity to ramp up the productivity of their mobile two-way radio (walkie-talkie) users, thanks to a new partnership between BearCom and pdvWireless. This alliance allows BearCom clients who use Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO digital radios to tap into a wide-area network encompassing most of the Houston Gulf Coast region.

When thousands of fans fill the seats, stadiums and arenas become more like mini-cities. Sporting events require staff to cook the hotdogs, fix the plumbing, assist guests and keep the peace.

If you plan to rent radios, your first decision is whether to choose analog or digital.
Analog two-way radios (walkie-talkies) are lightweight, rugged and reliable. They’re generally easy to use, and require little user training. However analog radios are not as feature-rich as the more state-of-the art digital models, because their underlying technology has been around since the inception of wireless communications.

It’s a lot of work bringing the fun all Summer – or all Winter.