Push-to-talk (PTT) is a very convenient technology, but not a new one. It dates back to the early days of two-way radio communication and walkie-talkies. When using these systems, the user pushes a button also known as a key to trigger the microphone that transmits their voice over the radio. Over its history, push-to-talk has been known by other names, including push-to-speak, press-to-transmit, hold-to-speak, and toggle-to-talk. The technical term for PTT is half-duplex transmission, meaning the user can either transmit or listen, but cannot do both simultaneously. These one-button-communication or mic key devices are different from full-duplex radios, which continuously transmit audio from every connected user. While PTT radios still have some use cases, users today are more familiar with a related technology. Smartphones and applications use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) to offer a similar push-to-talk system. This technology is widely used, but it is based on the same concept as earlier PTT devices.
The history of push-to-talk
Initially, two-way radios required separate transmission and receiving pieces. Users would listen over the receiver and pick up a microphone when they were ready to transmit. During World War II, engineers developed walkie-talkies, which were the first devices allowing users to activate a microphone by pushing a button. Commercial and consumer use expanded in the 1950s with citizen band (CB) radios. These devices allowed truck drivers, dispatchers, and others to use non-military radio bands for communication. In the early 2000s, mobile phone services offered PTT over cellular networks, Soon, many services and communication or messaging apps began offering various PTT features using VoIP technology. These included two-way voice chat and asynchronous voice messaging.
How push-to-talk works
All forms of PTT use a half-duplex radio model. Users press a mic key or talk button to activate the microphone that allows them to transmit their voice. When they release this key, the user can receive transmissions from others. With dedicated devices like walkie-talkies or CB radios, the transmissions can come from anyone tuned to the same radio frequency. Internet or cellular network devices allow for communications over a VoIP connection. The advantage of VoIP connections is that they work on mobile devices or computer applications and do not require specialized equipment.
Push-to-talk devices
Different PTT devices come with their own set of pros and cons. You need to understand these factors to select the best option for your needs.
- Walkie-talkies and CB radios: Two-way radios were the first examples of PTT devices. They remain useful in law enforcement, transportation and other sectors. They do not rely on data or cellular connections, so they can be more reliable when properly tuned.
- Mobile phones: Smartphones are ubiquitous in today's society. Users can add VoIP-powered apps with PTT features. These do not require accessing the correct radio frequencies, and they do not suffer from range limitations.
- Specialized consoles and headsets: Professionals like air traffic controllers, dispatchers and emergency response teams may use specialized consoles with additional features for either radio or VoIP communications. VoIP connections are additionally available on laptops, desktops and tablets via apps or other software.
Push-to-talk apps
Most consumers and professionals rely on mobile or computer-based apps for PTT function. These applications have different features and use cases. One such app is Verizon's Push to Talk Plus, a mobile app from Verizon that connects many devices, including basic phones, smartphones and tablets for reliable calling over the Verizon network or Wi-Fi.
Modern applications of push-to-talk
PTT can be useful in any context that requires immediate, long-distance communication, and this need is growing with digital transformation across the business landscape. With most workers already connected via company or personal mobile devices, adding a PTT app allows for standardized communications on existing devices. Here are some situations in which PTT can facilitate better connectivity for a business or organization.
- Workers in the field or at job sites can easily communicate with team members and headquarters in real-time.
- Drivers of fleet vehicles can use hands-free accessories to communicate via PTT with each other and with dispatchers.
- As part of a suite of digital technologies, PTT makes it easier for distributed teams to work from virtually anywhere and coordinate projects over long distances.
- PTT can facilitate efficient communication for any organization that requires rapid and dynamic response to urgent situations. While PTT is useful for live communication, there are other options for business communications as well. Voice or messaging apps can provide necessary connectivity and be cost-effective in some situations, while unified communication or project management platforms can offer multiple options for contacting employees or team members.
What industries benefit from push-to-talk technology
PTT devices or apps have a variety of use cases for modern businesses. Here are some examples of industries that can benefit from enterprise solutions for PTT connectivity.
- Healthcare facilities can use PTT apps to communicate during critical care situations or to coordinate the use of resources and equipment when time and efficiency can affect medical outcomes.
- Logistics and transportation dispatchers and drivers can engage in real-time communication to update routes and provide weather and traffic information.
- Emergency services personnel can communicate in the field while responding to incidents or disasters. In addition to managing the response, dispatchers can use device data from GPS to track the location of responding emergency personnel.
- Warehouse and manufacturing companies can coordinate activities across large facilities using PTT. VoIP apps can allow channels to organize teams by function.
- Security companies can use applications to coordinate activities and maintain communication when responding to breaches or incidents when real-time communication is essential to deploy personnel and ensure safety.
- Grocery and retail stores can coordinate sales efforts and manage inventory restocking. These can be especially useful in large retail stores or supermarkets. A company can streamline communication system deployment by selecting the best application or system for PTT functionality and integrating it with existing communication and operations management tools.
How to evaluate push-to-talk options
You need to account for several factors when selecting a PTT tool for your business.
- Connectivity: Decide if the application needs to work on cellular service or Wi-Fi or over radio frequencies. Wi-Fi capabilities can lower solution costs and limit the need for dedicated data connections.
- Device compatibility: You need to ensure the system works on your employees' devices and can function on all the different operating systems you use.
- Ability to expand: You should understand any limitations on scalability and the costs associated with increasing the number of users.
- Integration: You should understand how the PTT application will fit with your existing communication channels.
- Security: Learn how the application encrypts communications and manages users and permissions. PTT services can facilitate real-time connection and help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your company's communications. However, you need to understand the features, limitations and requirements of these tools to choose the best push-to-talk options to satisfy your organizational needs.
