Can't say we are not surprised that you may have some difficulty in understanding all the different P25 offerings. It takes a cross between an engineer and a lawyer to understand what P25 is at all! Suffice it to say that the majority of P25 radios being sold today are "standard" or non-trunking P25 models. Larger system users will pay the extra dollars for "trunking" capabilities (rarely required by any but VERY large users.
From a lay person's perspective, P25 is the ONLY federally approved communications standard with the single exception of LTE (a subject within itself). The bottom line is if you want federal grant money for public safety communications, the technology of choice is P25 - PERIOD! (and "Yes" we know all about the "exceptions). For now, our objective is to help you decide which of the P25 "standards" is best for you. Before proceeding further, I would suggest an excellent reference source by Daniels Electronics for the serious reader.
For now, let us just say that a non-trunking P25 radio can be purchased for under a thousand dollars. A good trunking radio can be purchased for under $1,500 if you are OK with Phase 1 technology.
However, Motorola, Harris, and EF Johnson (along with other international manufacturers) are rapidly encouraging major users to go with Phase 2 for several reasons. For starters, most of the competitors don't have Phase 2 since the final standards have not been announced, but you could say with some certainty that when that standard is finalized, it will be patterned after whatever platform is used by Motorola, and it is entirely possible that many models of Motorola P25 radios will NOT be upgradeable to Phase II. And, by the way, did we mention that going price for a P25 Phase II trunking radio will typically be MORE than five thousand dollars each, and did we mention that there is a Phase 3? (Just thought you might like to know).
Having said all that, there is ONE manufacturer offering a P25 Phase I trunking radio for under $1,500 that WILL be upgradeable to Phase II. And who might that be? The answer is Relm Wireless, an AMERICAN manufacturer with a proven record of performance, reliability, and solid value! Don't you think it would be a good idea to take a look at Relm, and in particular, the KNG series from Falcon Direct? It's easy to do - just give us a call at 800.389.2611 or email ServingU@falcondirect.com. You'll be glad you did!
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