What’s the difference between IP DECT and Digital Radio Technology?

Author : Chris Potts, ANT Telecom

16 May 2023

IP Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (IP DECT) and Digital Radio are both communication technologies that assist mobile workforces. They have similar functionality, with both handsets supporting voice and messaging features, built in panic buttons and tilt sensors to protect lone workers.

Image: Shutterstock

(Click here to view article in digital edition)

Either platform can be networked so teams can communicate across multiple sites, both can integrate with other with 3rd party systems, e.g. SCADA and BMS, that can trigger site updates and alarms. You can open doors/gates directly from either a DECT phone or a radio and both offer ATEX handsets that can be used in intrinsically safe areas.

So, if both platforms can do all of this, what can’t each one do or what differences do they have?

IP DECT

IP DECT provides users with the freedom to make and receive 1:1 telephone calls anywhere on a site and is commonly used in many sectors. The handsets tend to be smaller and lighter than radio, and have features like phone book where users can store all their contacts, see their call history, and view received or missed phone calls, similarly to a mobile phone.

Unlike radio, where communication tends to be kept to short messages and announcements with other radio users, DECT users can stay on a call for as long as they like as the platform can handle multiple, simultaneous calls without blocking the system. IP DECT can also integrate seamlessly to other voice networks (i.e., UCaaS, Teams etc.) which makes users far more contactable. This allows users to speak with other DECT users but also customers, suppliers and other employees.

DECT is generally a 1:1 communication platform but it can also be enhanced (similarly to radio) to allow one-to-many calls where voice messages can be broadcast to colleagues by pressing and holding down a button (PTT) on the DECT handset.

IP DECT – Image: ANT Telecom

Digital Radio

Digital Radio helps users to communicate predominantly with other radio users on a one-to-many basis. Unlike DECT, where you need to dial a number and wait till the call is answered before you can speak, radio uses a simple push-to-talk button. Colleagues will hear the announcement and can respond in similar fashion.

Radio can work back to back, i.e. just the handsets themselves and doesn’t need any infrastructure like repeaters to make them work (though it can be enhanced with this technology), which makes radio solutions very quick to deploy. Unlike DECT where multiple base stations are needed, with radio very large sites can often be covered with only one or two repeaters. These characteristics mean that it is used by businesses across almost all industry sectors such as Oil & Gas, Utilities, Mining, Water Treatment sites, Construction etc. both on and off site.

Radio manufacturers tend to produce a broader range of handsets and accessories offering more choice. ATEX radio ranges include Zone 0/20 as well Zone 1/21.

Though radio is generally a one-to many platform, it is also possible to have 1:1 conversations over radio too and though it isn’t a basic or standard set up, it is possible for radio users to make and receive external telephone calls too.

How about cost?

Digital radio – Image: ANT Telecom

DECT and Radio handset costs are probably not too dissimilar in price when comparing low, middle and high end ranges. And even ATEX devices are more or less on par.

However, radio technology doesn’t require much additional infrastructure to make it work. Back to back radios can work fine on their own (albeit only together) and even large sites can be covered with just one or two repeaters.

DECT on the other hand needs base stations and the larger the site the more that are required. There are cabling costs too and ongoing support contracts tend to be higher with DECT because there is more hardware.

So in our experience DECT is generally more expensive when pricing like for like jobs – but users are also better connected too, so can get more value out of the solution as well.

Applications

There are some situations that radio makes more sense than DECT. In construction for instance Radio is always utilized as it is quick and easy to set up and deploy. Communication between workers is quite task oriented resulting in lots of short announcements, which works well over radio. Lengthy discussions conducted on site can be done face-to-face and those that need to call suppliers or colleagues off site use 2G, 4G mobile phones. Once the construction is completed, radios can be easily deployed at the next job.

Chris Potts, ANT Telecom

However, in industries where the workforce is highly mobile on site, IP DECT can help teams respond to events anywhere on site. In the pharmaceutical industry for instance departments like engineering, production, maintenance, operations, facilities and IT are often required to perform tasks throughout various areas of the site, yet must be contactable at all times.

IP DECT is also effective when communications need to be 1:1 rather than in a group and employees are likely to need to speak with both internal as well as external parties. For example, engineering and maintenance teams will often need support from external suppliers to fix or service equipment. The ability to receive step by step instructions whilst working by a machine can be invaluable as it significantly increases first time fix rates, reduces downtime and increases overall equipment effectiveness.

Conclusion

So which platform comes out on top? That's an easy one depending on a company's requirements. Both solutions have a place in the market with each offering distinct advantages depending what a customer's needs are.

Sometimes having to weigh up both options can be challenging especially when users/departments have different requirements and preferences. It is always worthwhile to seek the help of an independent company that offers both solutions and can help you pick the right device for your project.

About the author:

Chris Potts is Marketing Director at ANT Telecom, a bespoke telecommunications provider based in Buckinghamshire, UK. Chris has over 20 years’ experience working for telecommunications companies and his current role includes promoting ANT’s range of solutions that include IOT, lone worker safety and critical alarm management.