How to judge a PoC handset (60-second version)
- Battery first. A radio that dies at 3pm is a returned fleet. Look for 3,500 mAh+ and a claimed full shift with heavy PTT use; removable batteries matter for double-shift operations.
- Audio second. 2 W+ front-firing speakers and meaningful noise suppression separate work tools from gadgets. Test in a running vehicle, not a quiet office.
- Build third. IP67/IP68 and MIL-STD drop ratings for outdoor and industrial fleets; glove-friendly buttons; a proper side PTT you can find without looking.
- Display or not? Screenless radios are simpler and tougher; displays earn their keep when staff need messaging, mapping or task tickets.
- Platform lock-in last but not least. Many handsets ship tied to a specific PTT platform. Choose the platform before the plastic.
The names that dominate UK fleets
Motorola WAVE TLK series
The corporate benchmark. Screenless TLK-style handsets are compact, tough and deliberately simple, tied to Motorola's WAVE PTX platform — polished dispatch, strong support chain, priced at the premium end. Pick for: blue-chip fleets standardising nationally.
Hytera PNC range
Runs from rugged screenless units to full-Android models with cameras and body-worn options. Strong audio and build for the money, wide dealer support. Pick for: general business fleets wanting flexibility per role.
Inrico
The volume value brand of PoC. Solid handsets at aggressive prices, huge range including mobile (in-vehicle) units, commonly paired with white-label or third-party platforms. Pick for: cost-driven fleets and first PoC deployments.
Rugged Android + PTT app
A rugged smartphone running the PTT app with a wired remote speaker-mic. More versatile, less focused. Pick for: supervisors and drivers who also need full apps — not for pure radio users, the dedicated button wins.
Match the handset to the job
| Fleet profile | Sensible shortlist | Why |
|---|---|---|
| National logistics / field service | Motorola TLK class, Hytera screenless PNC | Simplicity, battery, national support |
| Security & events | Hytera PNC with display, Inrico mid-range | Messaging + GPS check-ins alongside voice |
| Construction multi-site | Screenless IP67 anything, remote speaker mics | Gloves, dust, drops — simplicity survives sites |
| Taxi / courier vehicles | Inrico mobile units + handhelds for foot staff | Fixed in-cab units with external antennas |
| Budget pilot scheme | Inrico entry handsets | Prove the concept cheaply, upgrade hardware later |
What about second-hand?
Treat cautiously. PoC handsets are frequently locked to the platform of the original supplier, and a used radio without a transferable platform subscription is a paperweight until re-provisioned. If buying used, confirm in writing that the devices are unlocked or that the platform account transfers with them.
Next: PoC by industry — construction, security, logistics, events →