Top Mistakes When Choosing Two-Way Radios (And How to Avoid Them)
Choosing the right two-way radio solution is more than just picking a device — it’s about ensuring reliable communication, safety, and operational efficiency. Yet many organizations make costly mistakes during the buying process, leading to poor performance, wasted budgets, and frustrated teams.
At Triple Access, we’ve worked with customers across education, hospitality, manufacturing, events, and security. Here are the most common buyer mistakes we see — and how to avoid them with smart planning and the right Motorola radios.
Many buyers focus first on the cheapest radios available, assuming all radios work the same.
The reality:
Lower-cost radios often:
- Have shorter battery life
- Offer weaker audio clarity
- Lack durability for demanding environments
This leads to frequent replacements, downtime, and higher long-term costs.
What to do instead:
Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just upfront price — consider durability, battery performance, warranty coverage, and ongoing support.
Recommended Motorola Radios
- Motorola R2/R3 Series – Balanced performance and value for everyday business use with essential features.
A common assumption is that radios will “just work everywhere.”
The reality:
Coverage depends on:
- Building materials (concrete, metal, glass)
- Site size and layout
- Indoor vs outdoor environments
Without proper planning, users experience dead zones and poor signal performance.
What to do instead:
Conduct a site assessment to understand your coverage needs and identify whether repeaters or alternative radio solutions are required.
Recommended Motorola Radios and Solutions
- Motorola XIR P66i – Rugged, high-performance radios with excellent range and penetration for commercial and industrial sites.
Some organizations buy only for their current requirements, without considering growth or future features.
The reality:
As operations expand, you may need:
- More users
- Integration with dispatch systems
- Advanced features like GPS, text messaging, or recording
Outgrowing your system too quickly leads to costly upgrades.
What to do instead:
Choose a solution that can scale and integrate with future technologies.
Recommended Motorola Radios
- WAVE PTX-Capable Devices(e.g., Motorola R7 / R7 ATEX) – Radios that provide both traditional two-way radio and broadband push-to-talk capabilities for flexible communication.
Different industries have different communication needs.
The reality:
- Education environments need accountability and incident documentation
- Industrial sites need radios with strong audio in noisy conditions
- Events require rapid deployment and flexible coverage
Using a generic radio often results in poor user adoption and failed communication.
What to do instead:
Select radios and solutions designed for your specific industry environment.
Recommended Motorola Radios by Use Case
- Education / Campus Security:
• Motorola XIR P66i for reliable coverage
• Optional integration with Body-Worn Cameras + VMS for incident documentation - Manufacturing / Industrial:
• MOTOTRBO XPR 7350e / 7550e radios with loud audio, rugged design, and advanced features - Events & Temporary Deployments:
• Motorola RM Series for quick, simple communication
• XPR Series + Repeaters when extended range is needed
Many buyers focus only on the hardware and forget about ongoing support.
The reality:
Without proper support:
- Devices may not be up to date or configured correctly
- Small issues can disrupt operations
- Troubleshooting becomes reactive and slow
What to do instead:
Partner with a provider that offers maintenance, support, and managed services.
What to Consider
- Scheduled preventive maintenance
- Firmware updates and feature support
- On-site or remote support options
Triple Access offers structured support packages so your communication system remains dependable and optimized throughout its lifecycle.
Some organisations assume radios must be purchased outright.
The reality:
Buying radios as a capital expense may:
- Impact budgets
- Reduce flexibility
- Make upgrades harder
What to do instead:
Explore device rental or subscription models that allow you to shift from CapEx to OpEx, while keeping technology up to date.
Recommended Approach
Radio Rentals — Ideal for projects, events, or budget-sensitive customers seeking flexibility and cost control.
Radios are often treated as simple devices rather than part of a broader communication ecosystem.
The reality:
Poor planning can cause:
- Incompatible systems
- Under-utilised features
- Communication breakdowns during critical moments
What to do instead:
Engage a certified solution provider who understands both technology and real operational needs.
How Triple Access Helps
- Project support from procurement through deployment
- Site surveys and coverage planning
- Solution design and system architecture
Many buyers assume they can purchase two-way radios from any supplier and receive the same level of performance and support.
The reality:
Two-way radios are not standalone devices — they are part of a broader communication ecosystem that includes configuration, licensing, coverage planning, and long-term support. Purchasing from non-authorized or transactional sellers can result in:
- Incorrect system configuration
- Limited or voided warranty support
- Lack of after-sales service and escalation paths
These issues often only surface when communication fails during critical operations.
What to do instead:
Work with authorized Motorola Solutions partner resellers, supported by Triple Access as the master distributor, to ensure:
- Proper consultation and solution design
- Genuine Motorola products with full warranty
- Access to technical expertise, support, and future scalability
Through this ecosystem approach, customers benefit from local reseller engagement, backed by Triple Access’s technical, solution, and Motorola Solutions expertise.
Choosing the Right Partner Makes the Difference
Selecting the right two-way radio solution isn’t just about hardware — it’s about working with the right people.
At Triple Access, we work closely with our network of authorized partner resellers to help organisations design, deploy, and support Motorola Solutions communication systems that meet real operational needs.
Whether through direct consultation or via one of our trusted partners, customers gain access to:
- Certified expertise
- Industry-relevant solutions
- Reliable after-sales support
Talk to Triple Access or one of our authorized partner resellers to avoid costly mistakes and build a communication system that works when it matters most.



