Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy OKRADI (G36/G86)? A Candid Guide

Updated for 2026 · Practical buying filter · LTE/PoC push-to-talk radios
Quick answer (30 seconds):
  • Buy OKRADI if you need fast push-to-talk coordination across buildings, vehicles, or multiple sites where cellular coverage exists.
  • Don’t buy OKRADI if your work is frequently in zero-coverage environments (deep wilderness, caves, offshore, mines).
  • Choose G36 (primary) for heavier, daily operational use. Choose G86 (more affordable) if budget is the priority.
  • Non-negotiable: LTE/PoC depends on usable cellular signal. No signal = no comms.
In this guide

What OKRADI is (and isn’t)

OKRADI is an LTE/PoC push-to-talk radio. It transmits voice over cellular data networks, which means it can coordinate teams across long distances — but only where cellular coverage exists.

If you want the plain-English definition of what “nationwide” really means, start here: Nationwide walkie talkie explained (what it really means).

Important limitation: OKRADI is not a magic “works anywhere” device. If your job regularly happens in dead zones, the correct answer is not “buy harder.” The correct answer is “buy the right tool.”

Who should buy OKRADI (best-fit scenarios)

You should consider OKRADI if missed communication costs you real money (delays, mis-picks, slow response, safety exposure) and your operating environment generally has usable cellular signal.

Warehouses & logistics Best fit You need one-button dispatch across large buildings and loading docks.
Property management / HOA Best fit You need coordination across buildings, garages, and gatehouses.
Security teams Best fit You need fast response across floors and multiple locations (where coverage exists).
Construction / multi-site operations Best fit You need a simple talk-group workflow without building RF infrastructure.

If you’re buying because “RF range keeps failing,” read this first: Walkie talkie range problem: why fleets switch from RF to LTE.

Who should NOT buy OKRADI (hard no)

Here are the situations where OKRADI is the wrong answer — even if you like the idea of “nationwide.”

  • Frequent zero-coverage zones: deep wilderness, offshore, caves, mines, remote valleys with no usable signal.
  • Life-critical comms with no redundancy: if a dead zone equals unacceptable risk, you need a system designed for that scenario.
  • Indoor environments with heavy shielding: basements, stairwells, elevators, steel factories—unless you test and confirm usable coverage.
Coverage is the real gate.
Use the FCC National Broadband Map for a baseline, then test the real danger zones (basements, stairwells, elevators, steel rooms). Maps don’t see your stairwell.

For the detailed test plan and indoor failure zones, use: LTE radio coverage guide: indoors, basements & rural areas.

G36 vs G86: which one fits

Both are LTE/PoC push-to-talk radios. The decision is not “which has more miles.” It’s about how hard you use it and what your budget tolerance is.

Decision factor Pick G36 (Primary) Pick G86 (More affordable)
Usage intensity Daily operational use / dispatch-heavy Light-to-medium use / budget-first
Buyer mindset “I want the main workhorse.” “I want the lower-cost entry point.”
What matters most Consistency and operational confidence Lower upfront spend (final price on product page)
What does NOT change Both require usable cellular coverage. No signal = no comms.

30-second checklist before you buy

  1. Do we have usable coverage where we work? Especially basements, stairwells, elevators, steel warehouses.
  2. Do we need multi-site talk groups? If yes, LTE/PoC usually simplifies operations.
  3. Do we want ownership? If yes, understand buy vs rent here: Buy vs rent PoC radios: why ownership beats monthly fees.
  4. Are we comparing alternatives fairly? If not, read: Nationwide PTT radio alternatives (what to compare).

Ready to choose?

OKRADI is a one-time purchase with no monthly or annual fees. Works where cellular coverage exists.

View OKRADI G36 Pro (Primary) View OKRADI G86 (More affordable)
One-time purchase. No recurring fees. Coverage depends on cellular signal. Final pricing shown on product pages.

FAQ

Does OKRADI work with no cell signal?

No. OKRADI is an LTE/PoC radio. If there’s no usable cellular coverage, it cannot transmit voice.

Is OKRADI better than GMRS/CB for everyone?

Not for everyone. LTE/PoC is excellent for multi-site and city-wide coordination where coverage exists. RF systems can be better for controlled sites with repeaters, or for areas with frequent zero coverage.

Will OKRADI work in basements or elevators?

Sometimes, but those are common failure zones. Use a baseline coverage map, then test the exact basement/elevator areas you depend on. Don’t assume.

Which should I buy: G36 or G86?

Choose G36 if you want the primary workhorse for daily operations. Choose G86 if budget is the priority and usage is lighter. Both still require usable cellular coverage.

Disclaimer: LTE/PoC performance depends on usable cellular coverage and local signal conditions. This guide is for practical fit and decision-making, not a guarantee of coverage in every building.

 

Guides

Nationwide PTT Radio Alternatives (2026): What to Compare Before You Buy

“Nationwide” radios aren’t all the same—and the wrong choice creates hidden costs fast. This guide shows what to compare before buying: LTE coverage limits, cost models (subscription vs one-time purchase),...