Previously, we have highlighted the relevance and advantages of radio communications over cellular and concluded that, in general, it complements and works alongside cellular and other technologies.   Now, we are delving into another topic that is relevant to both radio and phone users: coverage

In simple terms, coverage is the geographical area where a radio signal (relayed via radio-powered transmitters and receivers) is strong enough to allow users to do all or a combination of the following: receive calls, send text messages and access data services.

100% Coverage? Yeah. Right!

One NZ’s bold and aggressive 2023 Campaign: “100% mobile coverage. Launching 2024” brought the topic into sharp focus. The introduction of satellite to mobile coverage would be a game changer.  This was music to the ears of anyone with a cell phone. The prospect the of being able to “use” your cell phone anywhere across NZ sounded almost too good to be true!

The Commerce Commission believed it was, saying the campaign misled customers, potentially impacting their purchasing decisions and distorting competition in the telecommunications market which, includes radio.

In November 2024 Commission deputy chairperson, Anne Callinan, made the following comments about the Campaign headline representations:

“One NZ’s initial advertising campaign featured absolute and unqualified claims about mobile coverage that did not make the limitations, which we believe are significant, clear to consumers.”

She went on to say: “In our view, the claims were likely to mislead consumers because they gave an overall impression that all currently available mobile services — text messaging, voice calling, and data— would be supported and available from 2024 and that consumers would have access to instant communication from all locations in New Zealand when, in fact, that may not be the case.”

One NZ  is defending the charges so it remains to be seen whether they have actually breached the law.  However, it is notable that the Campaign messaging has morphed from the original “100% Mobile Coverage” to “Coverage Like Never Before” to most recently “Txt In The Middle of Nowhere Where You Can See Sky.”

Alcom’s Customer Service Guarantee

Alcom has a wide range of customers across different sectors including: forestry/farming, industry, councils, emergency management, hospitality, tourism, haulage and events.  Our mission is to offer these customers innovative communication solutions that enhance workplace safety and operational effectiveness. Giving good advice while explaining any limitations is an important part of ensuring customers get the right equipment, coverage and customer service.

So, without getting too bogged down into the technical details, let’s look at the key factors that impact  Land Mobile Radio (LMR) radio coverage/range.

Frequency (LMR)

• VHF (30–300 MHz): Medium range, line-of-sight, good for mobile communication and in areas with lots of trees. 150-165MHz range is used by most of our forestry, farming and rural customers in NZ.
• UHF (300 MHz–3 GHz): Shorter range, better for urban areas (penetrates buildings better). 380-420MHz (Vital Trunked Network) and 450-520Mhz are the frequency ranges used by those travelling and working in the urban areas of NZ.

Transmitter Power

• Higher power generates greater potential range. Portable radios in New Zealand are limited to 5w while mobile radios (in-vehicle or base sets) can operate up to 25 watts and generally have a more powerful antenna than handheld portable radios.

Antenna Type and Placement

• Height above ground (e.g., mountaintop, rooftop, position on a veicle) greatly increases line-of-sight.
• There are many types of antenna which can affect how signal spreads.

Terrain and Obstacles

• Hills, buildings, and forests can block or reflect signals.
• “Dead zones” or “shadow areas” can occur behind large obstacles.

Atmospheric Conditions

• Temperature inversions, humidity, and ionospheric activity can affect propagation, especially at HF (high frequency).

Network Infrastructure

• Repeaters, base stations, and satellites extend and strengthen coverage. Alcom Connect is an example of a digital trunked VHF network which offers customers wider area coverage across the Central North Island and the East Coast

When All is Said and Done

Coverage, while important, is only one of many aspects to be considered in the quest for reliable and robust radio communications. As a first step, contacting an authorised dealer to discuss your needs is the best way to ensure you get the right communication solution.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions or want to discuss how radio can enhance worker safety and operational effectiveness in your workplace.