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August 14, 2018

Q&A: WAVE Two-Way Radio TLK 100 from Motorola Solutions

Q&A: WAVETM Two-Way Radio TLK 100 from Motorola Solutions
 
Aug. 14, 2018 — Motorola Solutions today introduced its new WAVETM Two-Way Radio TLK 100. We talked with Sean Taylor, business development lead at Motorola Solutions, about the new device.
 
What is the WAVE two-way radio?
The WAVE two-way radio provides businesses with instant push-to-talk team communications over a nationwide LTE cellular network. This one bundled solution — including the radio, cellular service and software — is built specifically for the demanding needs of businesses with a geographically dispersed workforce.
 
The device also:
  • Can be deployed out-of-the-box ready for team collaboration
  • Provides communication and location tracking while meeting federal, safe-driving requirements
  • Allows immediate, remote updating anywhere across the country
  • Is easily scaled to meet a business’ changing needs
  • Minimizes administration requirements to save businesses time and money

   

What cellular network does the WAVE two-way radio utilize?
Customers will not need to worry about subscribing to a specific carrier network. They will subscribe to Motorola Solutions’ WAVE wireless service, which leverages the nation’s best carriers for service.
 
What is WAVE?
WAVE OnCloud is a push-to-talk subscription service from Motorola Solutions. It connects teams at the push of a button across different networks and devices. It eliminates the barriers between devices, networks and locations to let everyone be part of the conversation.
 
When is the device available?
September 2018
 
Where is it available?
The radio will be available through authorized WAVE wireless agents, which can be found at waveoncloud.com.
 
What is the cost?
The pricing varies depending on 1) the subscription selected: pay-as-you-go (monthly) or a two-year contract, and 2) the number of devices ordered. The retail price for the radio is $350, and the subscription services range from $35 to $45 per month. Participating dealers may offer the device for free with a two-year contract.
 
What types of businesses will use the WAVE two-way radio?
It will be highly useful to medium- and large-sized businesses with task-oriented workers who require constant, daily communication with dispatch or management. It also will be helpful for industries with field services where tracking vehicle locations and ongoing communication with field teams is essential for business operations. This may be especially applicable in industries such as private security, construction, manufacturing, retail, and transportation and logistics.
 
Why is Motorola Solutions offering such a simple device given all the features available with LTE smartphones?
Growing feedback from customers indicates that smartphones are challenging to use in certain work environments. Employers in certain industries want to provide their workers with devices that do not require log in, have a single button for push-to-talk, have loud speaker volume, are durable and have long battery life. They also are looking for ways to reduce the distractions that can come with smartphones — like texting friends and surfing the internet — while improving employee efficiency for task work. Aligning the right tools based on worker roles is essential for business success.
 
How does this device stack up against competitive offerings?
Reliability matters for businesses, and Motorola Solutions’ WAVE two-way radios offer quality hardware, the industry’s best push-to-talk software and the nation’s best cellular coverage.  Ease-of-use and the ability to self-configure a fleet of devices allows for quick deployment and scalability.
 
How does this radio align with Motorola Solutions’ larger portfolio?
WAVE two-way radios complement Motorola Solutions’ traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) offerings, which are focused on communication on-site or through regional systems. WAVE two-way radios meet customers’ needs for “wide area coverage” — across the country or across thousands of facility locations. All WAVE two-way radios also can be integrated into supported MOTOTRBO systems to extend communication between traditional two-way radio systems nationwide.
 
Other product details
 
Why is the device called a two-way radio if it works on a cellular network?
The device has a traditional two-radio form factor and does not have telephony capabilities.
 
Will this device work on other cellular networks?
No. WAVE two-way radios work only with Motorola Solutions’ WAVE wireless service.
 
Does the radio have a SIM? Is it removable?
The radio has an embedded 4G SIM. It is permanently attached to the device to prevent it from being stolen or removed, which could impact business productivity.  
 
Can the radio be used as a Wi-Fi only device?
No. While the radio can function without LTE coverage by connecting to Wi-Fi, it requires a service plan to operate.  
 
Will Motorola Solutions be providing a mobile version?
Motorola Solutions is creating a larger roadmap of WAVE two-way radio devices, and a mobile variant is being considered. A hands-free vehicular kit will be available later in 2018.
 
Can talkgroups and contact lists be customized?
Yes. The WAVE OnCloud portal allows both partners and customers to program and configured devices remotely.
 
Is the radio able to work as a conventional radio?
While the radio does support private call capability for 1-to-1 communication, it does not contain traditional conventional land mobile radio capabilities. It uses a cellular SIM.
 
What MOTOTRBO systems are supported?
Capacity Max, Capacity Plus and LCP are supported today. Connect Plus is on roadmap for consideration.
 
How can a business owner get started with the new device?
The first step is to contact an authorized dealer and place an order. Orders will be shipped with pre-activated radios, and customers will receive instructions on how to add in their talkgroups. Dealers will also be available for assistance.
 
From the moment a WAVE two-way radio is purchased to the moment it’s in a customer’s hands, active nationwide push-to-talk takes under 24 hours. No additional infrastructure is required, and adding and removing subscriptions can be handled on the fly.
 
What are the specifications on the device?
A detailed specification sheet is available at WAVEOnCloud.com.
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