There are several primary advantages of trunked radio systems:
Faster system access -- no need to monitor the channel before using.
Better channel efficiency -- all channels are shared by all users to reduce channel congestion.
More user privacy -- users in the same talkgroups are given exclusive use of a voice channel for the duration of a conversation.
Flexible expansion -- talkgroups can be added without necessarily adding additional channels or modifying existing radios.
These benefits allow for a more dynamic and economical means of organizing fleets and talkgroups. In addition, a municipal system can be divided into fleets by agency, such as police, fire, EMS and public works. Each fleet can then create its own functional talkgroups or sub-fleets. The public works department could create a talkgroup for each of its departments, such as streets, water and sewer, and garbage collection. The ability to combine multiple departments or agencies under one system while maintaining independent operations is the cornerstone of the trunking advantage.
Because of its efficient channel usage, a trunked radio system affords users reliable, quick access to a channel during emergencies and advanced features to help ensure that these calls will get through. The dynamic regrouping feature allows the system to reassign units so users can talk between departments for special events. Lost or stolen radios can be disabled remotely by the central controller. And the Unit ID feature can identify a radio that has been keyed by the user, even if he or she is unable to speak. Motorola’s Telephone Interconnect feature even enables users to receive and make telephone calls directly from the radio.
In evaluating the advantages of a trunked communications application for your organization, Motorola can work with you to define your needs, the challenges your operation faces, and the budget required.
