Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Range Myths Confuse So Many Buyers
- Myth #1: All Radios Have the Same Range
- Myth #2: Advertised “Miles of Range” Equals Real-World Use
- Myth #3: VHF Always Goes Farther Than UHF
- Myth #4: Higher Power Always Means Better Range
- Myth #5: Antenna Size Doesn’t Matter Anymore
- Myth #6: Radios Work the Same Indoors and Outdoors
- Myth #7: Mountains and Buildings Don’t Affect Signals Much
- Myth #8: A Repeater Just Boosts Power
- Myth #9: Encryption and Digital Features Reduce Range
- Myth #10: More Expensive Radios Always Give More Range
- Myth #11: Weather and Atmosphere Don’t Influence Radio Signals
- Myth #12: FCC Licensing Has Nothing to Do With Range
- Myth #13: All Accessories Are Equal in Range Performance
- Myth #14: Range Doesn’t Matter if You Use Multi-Band Radios
- Myth #15: Two-Way Radios Are Outdated Compared to Cell Phones
- Conclusion: Truth About Range and Choosing the Right Radio
- FAQs
- Call to Action
Introduction: Why Range Myths Confuse So Many Buyers
Ask anyone shopping for two-way radios, and the first question is usually: “How far will these go?” The answer is rarely simple, and unfortunately, myths and marketing blur the truth. Some manufacturers advertise radios with a “30-mile range” when in real-world conditions you might only get 2 to 5 miles. Range depends on far more than the number printed on a box—it depends on frequency, terrain, antennas, power, and whether repeaters are used. In this article, we’ll bust 15 common myths about two-way radio range so you can make confident decisions for your team, whether you’re in wildfire suppression, a warehouse, hospitality, or law enforcement.
Myth #1: All Radios Have the Same Range
Not true. A cheap consumer radio at a big-box store cannot match the range of a P25-compliant public safety radio designed for rugged environments. Radios are built for specific industries, frequencies, and compliance levels. Comparing them directly is like comparing a toy drone to a military aircraft.
Myth #2: Advertised “Miles of Range” Equals Real-World Use
When a box says “Up to 35 miles,” it usually means line-of-sight across open water with zero interference. In the real world—mountains, buildings, foliage—expect much less. Commercial-grade radios like BK, L3 Harris, and Tait are tested in real environments, not marketing labs.
Myth #3: VHF Always Goes Farther Than UHF
VHF often penetrates better across long, open terrain, which is why it dominates wildland fire and USFS operations. But in urban areas, UHF signals often perform better because they bounce through concrete and steel. Range is about environmental match, not one frequency always being superior.
Myth #4: Higher Power Always Means Better Range
While wattage (2W, 5W, 10W) plays a role, it’s not the only factor. A 5W radio with a poor antenna will underperform a 3W radio with a tuned antenna. Power helps, but smart deployment—repeaters, antenna placement, and band choice—matters more.
Myth #5: Antenna Size Doesn’t Matter Anymore
Wrong. Antennas still drive performance. A longer whip antenna on a VHF wildland radio can extend range significantly compared to a stubby antenna. In tactical law enforcement, a smaller antenna may be chosen for mobility, but it can shorten range.
Myth #6: Radios Work the Same Indoors and Outdoors
Indoors, walls, wiring, and machinery eat signal strength. Outdoors, line-of-sight across open ground performs much better. That’s why warehouses or schools often deploy distributed repeaters or in-building systems.
Myth #7: Mountains and Buildings Don’t Affect Signals Much
They affect everything. A single ridge can block VHF signals, and a cluster of high-rises can reduce UHF penetration. That’s why fire crews rely on repeaters on ridgelines, and police agencies place towers on tall buildings.
Myth #8: A Repeater Just Boosts Power
Repeaters don’t simply “turn up the volume.” They receive a weak signal, process it, and retransmit it on another frequency, effectively creating a larger coverage footprint. Without repeaters, most radios are limited to line-of-sight performance.
Myth #9: Encryption and Digital Features Reduce Range
Encryption and digital voice protocols like P25 Phase 2 don’t reduce RF range. The signal still travels as far. However, digital radios have a “cliff effect”—the audio remains clear until the edge of coverage, then drops out suddenly. Analog fades gradually.
Myth #10: More Expensive Radios Always Give More Range
Price often reflects features, ruggedness, or compliance—not raw RF range. A $3,000 multi-band portable and a $1,200 VHF wildland radio might deliver similar coverage in the same environment. Cost is about mission fit, not guaranteed range.
Myth #11: Weather and Atmosphere Don’t Influence Radio Signals
They do. Heavy rain, snow, or even solar activity can alter radio propagation. While the effects are subtle compared to terrain, they can matter in fringe coverage areas.
Myth #12: FCC Licensing Has Nothing to Do With Range
Licensing doesn’t change physics, but it does control allowed power levels, frequencies, and interference protection. Licensed radios like BK, Harris, and Tait operate on regulated frequencies with protections, meaning cleaner signals and better usable range.
Myth #13: All Accessories Are Equal in Range Performance
Cheap knockoff antennas and batteries degrade performance. A low-quality antenna reduces efficiency, and a weak battery lowers transmit power. Always invest in OEM or certified accessories for dependable range.
Myth #14: Range Doesn’t Matter if You Use Multi-Band Radios
Multi-band radios (like the BK BKR-9000 or L3Harris XL-Extreme) give flexibility across VHF/UHF/700/800 MHz, but range still depends on terrain and environment. Multi-band means versatility, not infinite reach.
Myth #15: Two-Way Radios Are Outdated Compared to Cell Phones
Cell coverage fails during disasters—wildfires, hurricanes, or grid failures. Radios don’t rely on towers or third parties. With repeaters, satellite backhaul, and InteropONE smartphone bridging, modern radios outperform cell phones for mission-critical range and reliability.
Conclusion: Truth About Range and Choosing the Right Radio
Two-way radio range isn’t magic—it’s physics, environment, and deployment strategy. The right radio for wildland fire may not be the same as the right one for a school district or warehouse. Instead of falling for “miles of range” marketing, focus on:
- Frequency band (VHF vs UHF)
- Terrain and building environment
- Antenna strategy
- Repeater infrastructure
-
Mission-critical features (encryption, ruggedness, accessories)
With the right match, you’ll get dependable, life-saving communications—not just a number on a box.
FAQs
Q1. How far do two-way radios really go?
Typically 2–5 miles handheld-to-handheld in real-world terrain; more with repeaters.
Q2. Why do consumer radios claim 35 miles?
That’s under perfect line-of-sight conditions over water or mountaintops.
Q3. Which is better for wildland fire: VHF or UHF?
VHF, because it propagates better across long distances and rugged terrain.
Q4. Do I need a repeater for my radios?
Yes, if you want reliable coverage across mountains, large campuses, or cities.
Q5. Will a better antenna really help?
Yes. Antenna choice is one of the biggest factors in extending usable range.
Call to Action
Don’t let myths guide your radio purchases. At New London Technology, we specialize in matching L3Harris, Tait, and BK Technologies radios with the right bands, antennas, and repeaters for your mission—whether you’re on the fireline, in a police unit, or managing a busy facility.
Call us today at (434) 525-0068, email service@newlondontech.com, or visit us at 23 Turkey Foot Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST) for expert advice and tailored solutions.
