Over the last 20 years, push-to-talk technology has seen remarkable progress, moving from simple, traditional radio communications to advanced cellular-based systems.
Push-to-talk over cellular (PTToC also known as PTT and PoC) started on 2G networks in 2007. Since then, each network generation has brought substantial improvements – from acceptable performance on 2G to improved capabilities on 2.5G, and finally reaching commercial success with 3G technology.
The global push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) market continues to grow rapidly worldwide with North America dominating the PoC market with a market share of 31.91% in 2023. (Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/push-to-talk-over-cellular-poc-market-108945).
A number of factors have helped organisations see the benefits of PoC solutions compared to traditional radio systems:
- The need for instant and reliable communication
- Data services integration that enables multimedia sharing
- Greater workforce mobility
- Improved public safety standards
From public safety, logistics, construction and transportation to utilities, healthcare, travel, hospitality, and oil and gas, industries are increasingly adopting PoC (PTT also known as PTToC) solutions due to their ability to provide instant, reliable communication over long distances.
Let’s delve further into what is driving this rapid growth in the PoC market…
The impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the demand for remote communication solutions as remote working increased.
PoC emerged as a solution for industries like healthcare, logistics, and public safety that required reliable and instantaneous communication in real-time across dispersed teams.
Advancements in cellular networks
The transition to 4G LTE and the rollout of 5G networks have redefined PoC (PTToC) capabilities. Strong network infrastructure has dramatically improved the reliability and coverage of cellular communications. It delivers faster data speeds with lower latency, which enables seamless and near-time instantaneous communication.
Higher bandwidth has led to improvements in video communications, which many PoC applications offer. Faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and lower latency enhance the stability and quality of video calls and enable the real-time transmission of high-quality video.
Additionally, PoC systems are able to provide far more than simple voice services. They now offer advanced features like GPS tracking and monitoring, multimedia sharing, lone worker and SOS alerts – all whilst costing less than traditional radio systems.
Cost-effectiveness and cost benefits over traditional radio systems
PoC brings major cost advantages compared to conventional radio systems.
Equipment costs are lower and as PoC solutions operate on existing cellular networks, businesses do not need to invest in expensive radio infrastructure. This significantly speeds up set-up times, lowers upfront and maintenance costs for businesses, and means that businesses can scale up without major infrastructure changes
Move to cloud-based solutions
Many PoC services are now cloud-based, which simplifies deployment and scalability. These cloud solutions offer more flexibility, easy updates, and lower setup costs.
Integration with P25, LMR and TETRA systems
The ability to seamlessly integrate PoC with existing P25, LMR and TETRA systems using a standalone Radio over IP (RoIP) Gateway makes it a versatile and accessible communication tool.
Customers can leverage the benefits of PoC and trial the technology without making additional investment in their current infrastructure or replacing their existing radios and systems. They can also migrate from radio technology to PoC technology at their own pace.
Device and platform integration
Modern PoC solutions are now available on a range of devices, including rugged, vehicle mounted, hybrid, field, intrinsically safe and screenless devices as well as tablets, bodycams and smart devices, allowing for broader adoption across industries. The flexibility to use standard mobile devices instead of specialized radios makes PoC solutions more accessible to different sectors.
Global workforce mobility
Across the world, technology trends are changing the way we work. The proliferation of mobile devices means that mobile workers make up an increasingly large part of the global workforce. The number of mobile workers hit 1.3 billion in the middle of the last decade, more than a third of the total, according to the International Data Corporation.
As organizations become more globalised and mobile, they require scalable communication systems that work across multiple regions without coverage issues. PoC (PTT) enables communication across vast geographical areas, making it a practical solution for companies with a distributed workforce.
Regulatory and security improvements
Security and compliance have become a top priority as Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) systems handle increasingly sensitive communications.
Enhanced encryption, security protocols and data protection on cellular networks have made PoC services more secure, leading to broader adoption in industries where data privacy is critical.
This is demonstrated by the fact that governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly using PoC solutions, especially for public safety communications.
Growing need for unified communications
The demand for steamlined, unified communication that integrate different communication methods like voice, video, messaging, and data sharing, is also driving the adoption of PoC solutions.
Conclusion
In summary, the growth of the PoC market is driven by technological advancements in cellular networks, cost-efficiency, broader device integration and the need for scalable, reliable communication solutions.
Push-to-Talk over Cellular (also known as PoC and PTT) technology is revolutionising operations in public safety, enterprise, and emergency response sectors.
In addition to voice communication. PoC systems offer an advanced feature set and better coverage – all whilst costing less than traditional radio systems.
Find out more about how PoC technology compares to two-way radio (TETRA, DMR and P25) here.
