Radio communication is the transmission of information, such as voice, music or data, through the air using radio waves. A transmitter sends a signal on a set frequency and a receiver tuned to that frequency picks it up. It underpins broadcasting, radar, emergency services, mobile phones and the two-way radios used by businesses.
Broadcasting Media
If you’re like most people, you’ve listened to the radio at least one time in your life. Maybe you have a favorite radio station that plays your favorite music. Radio communication in this way is an outstanding tool to help keep people entertained while they drive, work, or play. Radio stations can also inform and educate the masses. There are political stations, exercise stations, and even commercial advertisements where you can buy goods or products. Radio communication in broadcast media keeps people informed, together, and entertained.
Radio Communication with Radar
From the high seas, to weather prediction centers, and even your own GPS system, radio communication with radar serves a vital role. This is a different way of thinking about communication with radio. Bouncing radio waves in all directions can help people determine the distance of an object. Navigation in the water or on land can be aided by GPS systems where data is retrieved by radio waves. Doppler radar uses radio waves to determine how storms form, move, strengthen, participate, and dissipate.
Emergency and Public Radio Communication Services
Radios have always been helpful when people are in danger. The ability of radios to reach people quickly and in mass quantities has saved lives over the years. Emergency dispatch services use radios to stay in contact with police, firefighters, and medical professionals to assist citizens in need. Radio communication is especially important in law enforcement, so that officers can request backup and gather information.
Radio Communication in Mobile Phones
Few people realize it, but mobile phone technology wouldn’t be advanced today without radio waves. Broadcasted radio waves travel between the mobile phones and a transmitter. When the phone reaches the outer limits of a particular service area, the radio waves connect to a different transmitter closest to the phone. Who would have ever guessed that the mighty technology associated with mobile phones actually comes from the good, old-fashioned radio?
Different types of radio communication have left permanent marks on our history as a civilization. It only takes a few minutes to truly appreciate everything radio communication waves have allowed us to do.
Frequently asked questions
The main types are broadcast radio, radar and navigation, emergency and public service radio, mobile phone networks and two-way radio. Each uses radio waves differently, from a single transmitter reaching thousands of listeners to handheld radios that let a team talk back and forth instantly.
One-way radio, such as broadcasting, sends a signal from a transmitter to receivers that can only listen. Two-way radio lets users both send and receive, usually by pressing a push-to-talk button. That makes it the standard choice for security, events and construction teams.
Comms Spec generally recommends digital where the budget allows. Digital radios offer clearer audio, better coverage towards the edge of range, encryption on higher-tier models and features such as GPS tracking. Analogue radios cost less. Our guide to digital vs analogue radios compares them in detail.
Not always. PMR446 radios can be used licence-free for short-range use, but most business radio systems need an Ofcom Business Radio licence. Our guide to UK radio licences explains which one applies and what it costs.
Range depends on frequency, transmitter power, antenna height and terrain. Shortwave signals can travel thousands of kilometres by reflecting off the ionosphere, while VHF and UHF two-way radios work mainly by line of sight. Read more about how far radio signals travel.
