How "Unlimited Range" LTE Radios Work (PoC Explained)
- What “Unlimited” means: You’re not limited to a few miles or line-of-sight. Voice is carried as cellular data over 4G/LTE networks.
- The hard limit: These radios require cellular coverage. If there’s no usable cellular signal, they won’t transmit.
- Best for: Fleets, logistics, multi-site teams, and cross-city operations where coverage exists.
- Not for: Deep wilderness, caves, offshore zones, and any environment with zero cellular infrastructure.
The term “unlimited range” triggers skepticism for a reason: traditional walkie-talkies are limited by power and physics. So how can a handheld device “talk nationwide”?
The answer is Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC). Instead of broadcasting directly from antenna to antenna, an “unlimited range” LTE radio transmits voice as digital data packets through existing 4G/LTE cellular networks.
If you want the plain definition first, read: Nationwide walkie talkie explained (what it really means).
What you’ll learn
How “Unlimited Range” LTE Radios Work
In a traditional RF radio, your voice travels directly through the air to the other device. The moment a hill, building, or distance blocks line-of-sight, range collapses.
In an LTE/PoC radio, your voice is encoded into data and routed through cellular networks to the recipient device. That’s why distance becomes almost irrelevant — but coverage becomes the deciding factor.
If you’re comparing tech stacks, this guide is the clean comparison: LTE vs CB/GMRS — real range, coverage & cost.
Range vs Coverage: Why “Unlimited” Is Misleading
“Unlimited” describes the distance between connected devices — not the ability to connect without network infrastructure. Here’s the practical comparison buyers should use.
| Factor | Traditional RF (FRS/GMRS/VHF/UHF/CB) | LTE / PoC PTT Radio |
|---|---|---|
| Primary limitation | Physics: terrain, walls, and line-of-sight break the link. | Network: usable cellular coverage (signal quality). |
| Best use case | Short-range sites, simple point-to-point comms. | Multi-site teams, fleets, cross-city operations. |
| Fails when… | Distance/obstructions overwhelm the signal (hills, concrete, dense structures). | You enter a dead zone or indoor area with unusable cellular signal. |
| Setup / infrastructure | Long range often requires repeaters or dedicated infrastructure. | Uses existing cellular carrier networks (coverage-dependent). |
| Scales to multi-site | Harder: expanding range often means more hardware/infrastructure. | Easier: add devices to the same talk group (where coverage exists). |
| Cost model | Typically no cellular dependency; wide-area coverage may require repeater costs. | Options vary by brand: verify there are no recurring fees and that coverage limits are stated clearly. |
Coverage Reality Check: Where LTE Radios Commonly Fail
An LTE PTT radio is only as reliable as the signal in your real operating environment. Coverage can look fine on a map, then drop inside specific structures. Treat this as an engineering problem, not a marketing claim.
⚠️ The 6 danger zones for LTE radios:
- Basements / below-grade rooms
- Concrete stairwells
- Metal elevators
- Underground parking garages
- Steel warehouses (signal blocking / “Faraday cage” effect)
- Rural valleys / canyons
For the full decision guide, use: LTE radio coverage indoors, basements & rural areas.
The 3-step verification process
- Check the map (baseline): Use the FCC National Broadband Map to understand general coverage signals in your area.
- Test the real spots: Walk your facility (basements, stairwells, elevators, loading docks). If a phone has no usable data signal there, LTE PTT will struggle there too.
- Choose the right tool: If dead zones are rare and non-critical, LTE PTT can still be the simplest option. If dead zones are frequent or operationally dangerous, compare alternatives here: Nationwide PTT radio alternatives (what to compare).
The Cost Structure: Avoid “Free” Traps and Recurring Fees
Many “nationwide” solutions hide the real cost in monthly subscriptions, activation fees, or platform charges. Don’t compare by sticker price — compare by total cost over time and by whether the coverage limits are stated clearly.
OKRADI G36 is sold as a one-time purchase with no monthly or annual fees. It’s designed for teams that want predictable ownership cost — with a simple condition: it works where cellular coverage exists.
Want nationwide-style team comms without recurring fees?
See the OKRADI G36 Pro PTT radio (one-time purchase, no monthly fees). Coverage depends on cellular signal.
View OKRADI G36 Pro One-time purchase. No monthly fees. Works wherever cellular coverage exists.Frequently Asked Questions
Does “unlimited range” mean it works anywhere?
No. “Unlimited range” describes the lack of mileage limitation between connected devices. It does not mean the radio works without coverage. Both devices must have usable cellular signal.
Will LTE walkie-talkies work with no cell signal?
No. LTE/PoC radios rely on cellular data networks. If there’s no usable cellular signal, the radio cannot transmit voice.
Why do LTE PTT radios fail in basements or elevators?
Concrete, earth, and steel can block cellular RF signals. LTE radios use the same type of signal path as phones, so those structures can cause dropouts.
What should I buy if I have zero coverage areas?
If your work is primarily in zero-coverage environments (deep wilderness, offshore, mines), LTE PTT is the wrong tool. Look at high-power VHF/UHF systems (often with infrastructure) or satellite-based solutions.
Disclaimer: Coverage is carrier-dependent. “Unlimited range” describes the lack of distance limitation between connected devices, not the ability to connect without network infrastructure.
