Are These the Ultimate Prepper Radios?

For me, they are—for several reasons.

But before I get into that, many people dismiss cellular PTT radios for emergency preparedness because they use cell networks. Let me address that issue right off the bat.

These aren’t just cellular PTT radios; they are dual-mode PoC (push-to-talk over cellular) and UHF radios. My setup includes 70cm ham and FRS/GMRS frequencies.

Not all cellular PTT radios are created equal. These use universal SIM cards, and I have personally verified commercial-tower connectivity. My understanding from that verification is that they can connect through any commercial cell tower, not just one carrier’s network. In cellular mode, the radios convert voice to data and send it over 4G LTE; the receiving radio converts it back to audio using AES encryption.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s dive into why I chose these radios—and why I chose to become an affiliate for this company.

Without getting too far into the technical weeds of radio communications, let’s break two-way radios into a few categories.

Ham — To me, this offers the most room to grow. Amateur radio spans multiple bands, with local repeater use and long-distance communication using appropriate equipment and conditions. Transmitting requires an amateur license, and privileges depend on the license class. It can become a hobby in itself, with its own learning curve and equipment costs.

GMRS — Uses UHF frequencies familiar from walkie-talkies, with repeater capability on designated channels. I paid $35 for my license, which covers my immediate family and required no exam. Repeater coverage depends on terrain and the individual system. My county has three repeaters that cover a wide area. For me, GMRS has a much gentler learning curve than ham.

PoC — Push-to-talk over cellular uses a mobile data network rather than a direct radio link. These radios’ commercial-tower connectivity is a capability I have personally verified, with the network-access limitations noted above.

So what do these do for me? They bring several useful capabilities into one setup. I have programmed local GMRS repeaters, 70cm ham repeaters, and monitoring channels for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a local chemical plant and more. (I suggest locking out transmission on channels not authorized to talk on) With cellular service available, I can also talk to individuals and groups across the country at the push of a button.

I even have the National Prepper Radio Network and the corresponding Arizona and New Mexico prepper networks.

The G2, G8 and 6500 models all have a UHF-to-cellular PTT bridging feature, which I have personally verified on all three models. I can use one radio as the bridge between compatible local UHF radios and the cellular PTT network. I have talked across the country on a $20 Baofeng this way, using one of the SkycomPTT radios as a bridge between cellular and UHF.

To break it down: with my four Baofeng UV-5Rs and two SkyCom PTT radios, I use one SkyCom as the bridge. That lets the four Baofengs communicate through the cellular PTT network with the other SkyCom when service is available—five radios connected through one bridge.

For me, that is a lot of capability, and the setup was straightforward. At the prices I paid, they were comparable to a quality UHF/GMRS radio—sometimes less.

I am not the local "comms guy", and I set all six radios up pretty easily using free programming software.

I am NOT saying this is the only solution. But it expands my family’s capabilities for the money and is the most versatile solution I have found for the price.

My setup includes access to networks such as the National Prepper Radio Network. SkyCom also described a nationwide trucking network as being in development at the time of writing. You can even have me added as a contact for the cellular PTT radios.

SkyCom G8 and 6500 pictured

The G2, G8 and 6500 are the models I tested and recommend considering.

Supplemental Baofengs and SkyCom G8.