Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Plain answers to the questions we hear most often about two-way radios, rentals, licensing, and coverage.
What does FirstCom Radio do?
FirstCom Radio sells, services, and rents two-way radios, and designs and builds repeater systems and tower sites. We also provide nationwide LTE and push-to-talk over cellular radios, dispatch consoles, full public safety radio services, encryption, FCC licensing assistance, in-building coverage systems, vehicle installations, and 24/7 emergency service.
Where is FirstCom Radio located, and what areas do you serve?
Our offices are in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sales and service are available nationwide, in all 50 states.
Which brands of radios do you sell and service?
We sell and service Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Hytera, Tait, and Kirisun radios. We also service many other brands, including L3Harris, BK Technologies, EF Johnson, Vertex Standard, Anytone, Unication, Midland, Ritron, and others.
Can I rent radios for an event?
Yes. FirstCom Radio keeps more than 500 radios in stock and available for immediate rental. Short-term rentals are available for events, festivals, conventions, productions, and any other temporary need.
What is the difference between analog and digital radios?
Analog radios transmit voice as a continuous signal and are simple and affordable. Digital radios, such as DMR, NXDN, and P25, convert voice to data, which gives clearer audio to the edge of coverage, longer battery life, more capacity, and features such as text messaging, GPS location, and encryption.
What are DMR, NXDN, and P25?
They are the three principal digital two-way radio standards. DMR is the most widely used standard in business and industry. NXDN, developed by Icom and Kenwood, uses very narrow channels. P25 is the standard for public safety in North America. FirstCom Radio works with all three, as well as analog.
Do I need an FCC license?
Most business and public safety radio frequencies require an FCC license. FirstCom Radio can help with frequency coordination, applications, renewals, and modifications. LTE and push-to-talk over cellular radios do not require an FCC license.
What is a repeater, and do I need one?
A repeater receives a radio signal and retransmits it at higher power from a high location, which greatly extends range and improves coverage inside buildings. If your radios lose contact across your property or between floors, a repeater is usually the solution.
What are LTE and PoC radios?
PoC means push-to-talk over cellular. These radios work like traditional two-way radios but use LTE cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which provides nationwide coverage without repeaters.
Can my radio communications be encrypted?
Yes. We offer radios with full voice and data encryption, including AES-256, so that only authorized radios can hear your transmissions.
How long do radio batteries last?
The radios we supply are selected for long battery life and are intended to last through a full working shift. Actual battery life depends on the model, the battery capacity, and how much the radio is used. High-capacity batteries and multi-unit chargers are available.
Do you provide emergency service?
Yes. FirstCom Radio provides emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 702-347-2911.
Can you improve radio coverage inside my building?
Yes. We design and install bi-directional amplifier (BDA) and distributed antenna systems (DAS) that bring radio coverage into stairwells, basements, garages, and upper floors, and we perform emergency responder radio coverage testing.
How do I get a quote?
Call 702-347-2911, send an email to [email protected], or complete the Request a Quote form on this website. Tell us how many people need radios, where they work, and what you need the radios to do.