What are the implementation methods for 5G public network walkie-talkie?
release date:2025-10-27
Currently, 5G-based public network walkie-talkie applications are becoming increasingly prevalent, finding extensive use across various sectors and poised to rival private network trunking systems. The market has seen a continuous stream of 5G public network walkie-talkie products.
Essentially, 5G public network walkie-talkie leverages mobile internet and smart device capabilities to emulate narrowband walkie-talkie communication. By pressing the PTT button, it enables one-touch communication for critical business operations, emergency response, and industry-specific work environments.
Currently, two primary methods exist for implementing 5G public network walkie-talkie: MCPTT and PoC. In China, most public network walkie-talkie systems adopt the PoC model. The largest MCPTT network currently is AT&T's FirstNET, built for U.S. emergency management agencies. So what distinguishes PoC from MCPTT?
PoC operates over mobile internet, relying entirely on its connectivity. Manufacturers employ proprietary communication protocols integrated with dedicated walkie-talkie apps to deliver functions like talk-to-talk, individual calls, group calls, and video communication.
This falls under OTT (Over-The-Top) services—media services delivered over the internet that do not address network infrastructure issues, focusing solely on application functionality.
MCPTT Service Architecture
In contrast, MCPTT is a standardized protocol built upon 5G cellular networks. Defined by the 3GPP organization as a critical mission communication technology and standard, all 5G equipment manufacturers must adhere to this specification when providing services. Compatibility must be ensured across the core network, base stations, and endpoints.
This inherent advantage allows MCPTT to dynamically adjust service capabilities based on services levels and gain priority access during network congestion. Public-network walkie-talkie systems like PoC lack this capability, posing certain risks in emergency communication scenarios.
Additionally, mission-critical communications impose specific latency requirements. MCPTT targets a call setup time <300 milliseconds and voice latency <150 milliseconds, delivering an experience close to traditional walkie-talkies. This level of performance is unattainable for PoC public network walkie-talkies.
Thus, MCPTT is a 5G service integration solution, while PoC relies on mobile app software. However, PoC's model eliminates the need for core network considerations or customized terminals, resulting in extremely low usage costs. Implementing MCPTT, conversely, is a massive undertaking requiring extensive configuration and highly complex operations and maintenance. It necessitates support from highly specialized senior engineers from mobile equipment suppliers, whereas maintaining PoC public network walkie-talkie systems is significantly simpler.
Essentially, 5G public network walkie-talkie leverages mobile internet and smart device capabilities to emulate narrowband walkie-talkie communication. By pressing the PTT button, it enables one-touch communication for critical business operations, emergency response, and industry-specific work environments.
Currently, two primary methods exist for implementing 5G public network walkie-talkie: MCPTT and PoC. In China, most public network walkie-talkie systems adopt the PoC model. The largest MCPTT network currently is AT&T's FirstNET, built for U.S. emergency management agencies. So what distinguishes PoC from MCPTT?
PoC operates over mobile internet, relying entirely on its connectivity. Manufacturers employ proprietary communication protocols integrated with dedicated walkie-talkie apps to deliver functions like talk-to-talk, individual calls, group calls, and video communication.
This falls under OTT (Over-The-Top) services—media services delivered over the internet that do not address network infrastructure issues, focusing solely on application functionality.
MCPTT Service Architecture
In contrast, MCPTT is a standardized protocol built upon 5G cellular networks. Defined by the 3GPP organization as a critical mission communication technology and standard, all 5G equipment manufacturers must adhere to this specification when providing services. Compatibility must be ensured across the core network, base stations, and endpoints.
This inherent advantage allows MCPTT to dynamically adjust service capabilities based on services levels and gain priority access during network congestion. Public-network walkie-talkie systems like PoC lack this capability, posing certain risks in emergency communication scenarios.
Additionally, mission-critical communications impose specific latency requirements. MCPTT targets a call setup time <300 milliseconds and voice latency <150 milliseconds, delivering an experience close to traditional walkie-talkies. This level of performance is unattainable for PoC public network walkie-talkies.
Thus, MCPTT is a 5G service integration solution, while PoC relies on mobile app software. However, PoC's model eliminates the need for core network considerations or customized terminals, resulting in extremely low usage costs. Implementing MCPTT, conversely, is a massive undertaking requiring extensive configuration and highly complex operations and maintenance. It necessitates support from highly specialized senior engineers from mobile equipment suppliers, whereas maintaining PoC public network walkie-talkie systems is significantly simpler.
Technical support: Longcai Technology
