New Hand Held Nationwide Radios

[ggrizzard]

Today, while looking at a "Sail Life" video, an ad popped up talking about a new line of hand held
radios that work nationwide. The company's page says "No fees, no subscriptions, no licenses."
I'm a skeptic when it comes to these kinds of ads/offers. I'm wondering if any sailors have seen this
ad/product and can comment.

Rapid Radios G1 – Nationwide LTE Push-to-Talk Walkie-Talkie

True Nationwide Range. Zero Limits. Experience instant, uninterrupted communication with the Rapid Radios G1 Walkie-Talkie. Powered by advanced Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) technology, our flagship G1 radio bypasses the distance limitations of traditional two-way radios. Whether you are...

rapidradios.com

Thanks,
G.

 

[BlowMeAway]

I was also curious about the functionality and usefulness for offshore cruising. I saw an add on YouTube and thought…ohhh, this might have marine applications. Then a further investigation found this review. I’m thinking probably not as a safety device at this point.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

VoIP. Some have per minute charges. Great advertising for the “free lunch” crowd

 

[Leeward Rail]

a new line of hand held
radios that work nationwide. The company's page says "No fees, no subscriptions, no licenses."

To work nationwide it has to be either a radio over cellular unit (which uses cell service and requires a fee), or it's a radio that requires a repeater system like HAM/Sat

The ads are BS and hide the details, preying on the gullible.

That link specifically says it uses LTE cell towers. What it doesn't mention is that's it free for the first year and you pay after that. Same as every other POC radio or radio/cellphone combo

No cell towers offshore unfortunately.

I was also curious about the functionality and usefulness for offshore cruising.

Unless it's SSB or Satellite system that isn't happening.

 

[ggrizzard]

Thanks for the responses.
Ah yes, semantics.
"No monthly fees ever"... Just yearly.
"Coast to Coast"... Just not off the coast.
Oh well, back to SSB!