Beyond CB Radio: Why Fleets Switch to LTE Push-to-Talk
- CB is simple and cheap — but it breaks under modern fleet needs: multi-site coordination, clear dispatch, and reliable coverage in buildings.
- LTE push-to-talk (PoC) removes the “miles” problem, but replaces it with a coverage requirement.
- Switch when missed comms cost money: wrong turns, late arrivals, mis-picks, safety delays, and dispatch chaos.
In this guide
Why CB radio struggles in modern fleet operations
CB radio was built for a different era: fewer vehicles, fewer channels in use, and far less operational complexity. Today’s fleets run multi-site operations, warehouse coordination, and dispatch workflows that CB simply wasn’t designed to handle.
The 5 CB pain points fleets hit first
- Noise and interference: crowded channels, background chatter, and unpredictable signal quality.
- Limited practical range: terrain, buildings, and distance break the link.
- No clean team structure: “everyone hears everything” becomes chaos as teams grow.
- Hard indoor performance: loading docks, steel warehouses, and concrete buildings degrade comms fast.
- Multi-site coordination is painful: CB doesn’t naturally scale to city-wide or multi-location dispatch.
What LTE push-to-talk is (and what it isn’t)
LTE push-to-talk (also called PoC, Push-to-Talk over Cellular) routes voice through cellular data networks. That’s why distance can go far beyond CB — but it also means LTE/PoC requires usable cellular coverage.
If you want a plain definition of “nationwide” and the common misconceptions, read: Nationwide walkie talkie explained (what it really means).
CB vs LTE/PoC: real-world comparison
| Factor | CB Radio | LTE / PoC Push-to-Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Main limitation | Distance + terrain + line-of-sight | Usable cellular coverage (signal quality) |
| Clarity & interference | Can be noisy and unpredictable in crowded areas | Typically clearer where coverage is stable |
| Indoor performance | Often weak in steel/concrete environments | Depends on cellular signal inside the structure |
| Multi-site operations | Not designed for city-wide dispatch | Designed for talk groups across locations (where coverage exists) |
| Cost model | Hardware cost, usually no recurring fees | Varies by vendor: some charge monthly; others offer ownership. Compare TCO. |
If you want the “range vs coverage” explanation behind modern LTE claims, read: How “Unlimited Range” LTE radios work (PoC explained).
If your core pain is “we keep losing comms,” this guide is the direct breakdown: Walkie talkie range problem: why fleets switch from RF to LTE.
Coverage reality check: indoors + rural
LTE/PoC wins when coverage is usable — and disappoints when it isn’t. The common failure zones are predictable: basements, stairwells, elevators, parking garages, steel warehouses, and rural valleys.
For a practical test plan and indoor/rural failure zones, use: LTE radio coverage guide: indoors, basements & rural areas.
How fleets migrate without chaos
The fastest way to fail a communications upgrade is to switch everything at once without a plan. A clean migration is staged and measurable.
- Start with dispatch + supervisors: deploy LTE/PoC to the people who coordinate work.
- Pick a single workflow: deliveries, yard management, or warehouse dispatch — don’t boil the ocean.
- Map dead zones: identify where coverage fails and document procedures (before/after elevator, basement protocols).
- Expand by talk groups: scale once the first workflow is stable.
- Only then retire CB: keep redundancy until reliability is proven.
Fleet push-to-talk without recurring fees
OKRADI G36 Pro is designed for teams that want fast push-to-talk coordination with a predictable ownership model: one-time purchase, no monthly fees. Works where cellular coverage exists.
View OKRADI G36 Pro One-time purchase. No recurring fees. Coverage depends on cellular signal.FAQ
Is LTE push-to-talk better than CB for every fleet?
Not always. LTE/PoC is excellent for multi-site coordination where coverage is usable. If your operation frequently enters zero-coverage zones, you may need RF infrastructure or a hybrid approach.
Does LTE push-to-talk work with no cell signal?
No. LTE/PoC requires usable cellular coverage. No usable signal means no communication.
Why does LTE/PoC struggle in elevators or basements?
Steel and concrete can block cellular RF signals. Elevators, stairwells, and below-grade rooms are common drop zones. That’s why you should test the exact areas you depend on.
What’s the simplest way to start switching from CB?
Start with dispatch and supervisors first, validate coverage in your real danger zones, then scale by talk groups once the workflow is stable. Avoid “big bang” replacements.
Disclaimer: LTE/PoC performance depends on usable cellular coverage and local signal conditions. This article explains practical tradeoffs, not guaranteed coverage inside every building or location.
