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WHAT IS A REAL-WORLD RANGE FOR A TWO-WAY RADIO?
For some two-way radio manufacturers boast a coverage range of 10 miles or more on their packaging. They can legally claim that because that's the best possible range attainable under the best possible conditions: a clear day with an unobstructed line of sight. But really, will you be broadcasting from the top of a mountain down an obstacle free line of sight to your kids or employees in a valley? Didn't think so.
Outside of optimal test conditions, realistic ranges for handheld Business Radios vary from 1-4 miles depending on the power capabilities of the unit, weather conditions, and obstructions along the way. In a nutshell, the more power (wattage) the radio puts out, the stronger the signal for the two-way radio. Reviews indicate that the stronger the signal, the more reliable the reception at greater distances and with more obstacles. Businesses or municipalities in need of longer-range communications can boost their signal with repeaters or work using a trunking system. Repeaters and trunking systems significantly increase the cost of radio setup versus handheld-to-handheld communication; however, they are necessary for large scale, emergency communication operations such as fire and police departments.