Can two way radios be traced?

Professional two way radio systems provide a reliable means for teams to communicate in a safe, secure and private manner, but one question often asked before an organisation embarks on using a new system is ‘Can two way radios be traced?’

Professional two way radios

Technically speaking, unless a two way radio has a GPS chip within the radio’s hardware, then it cannot be traced. This is one of the reasons why professional two way radio solutions, and private encrypted radio networks, are so secure. Professional two way radio solutions and encrypted radio networks are trusted by the emergency services and police departments alike. It is important for users such as these to be guaranteed confidentiality and security between their people who will often communicate across different locations and within public areas.

Any radio signal can be direction found and triangulated, but secure and private encrypted radio networks will ensure privacy and security for all users. Network encryption guarantees that audio conversations are kept confidential and secure, and that staff and property are kept safe.

GPS tracking in two way radios

While tracking two way radios is not possible, GPS tracking can provide many benefits to organisations and businesses who use two way radio communications. GPS functionality can be used to improve safety, connect a workforce as well as improving the speed of responses in emergency situations. 

Many manufacturers, including Hytera, Sonim, Sepura and Motorola, now include a range of GPS functionality within many of their radio hardware. This GPS functionality can report a radio’s location back to a control room, via a digital network. This is especially useful in emergencies as this feature can be always on, or only triggered in a specific scenario such as when an alarm is raised, or an emergency button pressed by the user. 

Two way radio tracking for people and vehicles

GPS tracking can be installed in vehicles, two way radios themselves (hardware), and mobiles. This technology can help protect people and vehicles by tracking movement and flagging a potential emergency or dangerous situation in real time.

GPS tracking technology can help to keep tabs on movement of staff and or vehicles during ‘normal operational times’, and trigger alarms if a person, or vehicle, were to move to somewhere that was deemed unsafe or unexpected during their normal duties. GPS tracking can facilitate visibility of staff including lone workers and security staff, and trigger an alarm response if a person were to stop moving, or raise an alarm themselves.

Safety applications

There are numerous safety applications that can be hugely beneficial to organisations and businesses using two way radios. Here are a few of the most widely used practical functionalities that can be supported by GPS tracking within a two way radio solution:

• Man Down. Should a worker become incapacitated colleagues will be alerted immediately so that help can soon be on its way.
• Lone Worker. Periodic alerts can be sent to users lone working so that others know that they are safe. Should the lone worker not respond to this alert, the system will inform co-workers of a possible issue with said individual, and their location can be easily viewed.
• Emergency Button. Easy to use, instant call set up for assistance when incidents occur or when users require help. Again, location can be shared to facilitate a quick response if an emergency occurs.

For more information on how your business can utilise the powerful functions of GPS tracking within a two way radio system, contact us today.