Resources & FAQs

MOTOTRBO is the first digital two-way radio system from Motorola specifically designed to meet the requirements of organizations/industries outside the public safety sector mainstream that require a customizable business-critical communication solution using licensed radio spectrum. MOTOTRBO is a complete two-way radio system that includes portable and mobile radios, a repeater, accessories, as well as powerful data applications, such as Text Messaging Services and Location Services.

MOTOTRBO provides a complete dual mode (analog and digital) system including repeater, mobile and portable units, data applications, and accessories making it easy and affordable for large organizations/businesses to customize a MOTOTRBO solution to meet specific needs and migrate to digital at their own pace.

MOTOTRBO™ combines the reliability of two-way radios with advanced digital technology—delivering clearer audio, greater efficiency, and integrated data applications. For organizations with mobile teams, it enables 24/7 communication and information sharing—anywhere, anytime—helping boost productivity and streamline operations without increasing costs.

Analog two-way radios have served well—but they’ve hit their limits. Digital solutions like MOTOTRBO™ offer better voice clarity, longer battery life, integrated data apps, and more efficient spectrum use. As analog systems struggle with interference, limited range, and no room for growth, digital radios deliver the reliability and performance modern mobile teams demand.

When missed calls or garbled messages mean lost time, money, or safety—going digital isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a necessity.

Motorola made an investment in the MOTOTRBO technology platform in order to bring integrated applications and advanced functionality to the large organization/enterprise two-way radio market. MOTOTRBO was developed to be offered at a competitive price-point compared to existing analog two-way radio solutions. As a result, we believe that MOTOTRBO provides such increased functionality and operational efficiency that end-users will want to move to digital platforms faster.

MOTOTRBO is designed to the globally-recognized European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) tier two standard for large organization/enterprise mobile radio. This provides an open platform that enables market acceptance and multi-vendor interoperability for voice and IP data and will assure competitive pricing while protecting customer investment.

FDMA splits a frequency into separate sub-channels, while TDMA keeps the full channel and divides it into time slots—allowing multiple conversations on the same frequency without sacrificing bandwidth.

MOTOTRBO™ uses two-slot 12.5 kHz TDMA to deliver the equivalent of 6.25 kHz efficiency, making it ideal for large organizations. TDMA offers longer battery life, lower equipment costs, and greater flexibility—plus it’s better suited for future spectrum demands.

In short: TDMA delivers more capacity, more efficiency, and more value—without increasing interference.

Motorola does offer FDMA-standards based two-way radio systems for large public safety and government communications networks that require dedicated channels.

No. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Project 25 standard (P25 protocol) was adopted for public safety sector use and currently uses 12.5-kilohertz FDMA technology. MOTOTRBO supports the ETSI DMR standard for large organization/enterprise two-way radio customers and uses 12.5-kilohertz (6.25 equivalent-6.25e) TDMA technology.

Motorola spent a significant amount of time developing MOTOTRBO, working with customers, distribution channels, and the various businesses/organizations to research respective communications requirements. The research revealed that the various organizations/enterprises want or require spectral efficiency, better basic as well as enhanced features, integrated applications to improve operational efficiency, and a comfortable migration path from analog to digital.

No. Motorola offers an expansive portfolio of two-way communications solutions for a variety of customer segments. We are committed to providing the right technology to address specific customer needs and uses. Motorola will provide analog solutions as long as there are business segments that benefit from them and as long as market drivers and regulatory requirements permit.

Public (government) administration, public works, manufacturing facilities, transportation companies, small campuses such as resorts and schools, construction sites, and energy/utility companies, as well as small, municipal public safety organizations.

MOTOTRBO™ radios use TDMA digital technology to double the number of users who can operate on a single licensed channel. Instead of needing two separate frequencies or repeaters for two conversations, MOTOTRBO creates two virtual channels in one 12.5 kHz frequency—giving you twice the calling capacity without extra hardware or licensing costs.

That means more users, more data, and more efficient use of your existing spectrum—making it easier to scale your communications as your operation grows.

Due to its functionality and platform design, we anticipate that MOTOTRBO will meet the average lifespan for existing large organization/enterprise two-way radio systems, which is approximately five to seven years.

Absolutely. MOTOTRBO™ supports a range of advanced applications, including GPS-based Location Services. With built-in GPS in both portable and mobile radios, you can track vehicles and personnel in real time. Using MOTOTRBO software, dispatchers can view live fleet activity on a color-coded map, set location update intervals, and even receive emergency location alerts—enhancing safety, efficiency, and accountability.

Yes. MOTOTRBO™ enables fast, flexible text messaging between radios, dispatch systems, PCs, and even email-enabled devices. Users can send free-form or canned messages to individuals or groups—ideal for quick updates when voice communication isn’t practical. With optional PC-based dispatch software, messaging becomes even more powerful, allowing communication between radios and dispatcher PCs, and bridging messages to and from email addresses.

MOTOTRBO™ builds on Motorola’s long history of leadership in digital two-way radio technology. For over two decades, Motorola has delivered standards-based communication systems—from the launch of ASTRO® 25 (P25-compliant) to Dimetra IP (ETSI TETRA standard) for mission-critical public safety. In 2005, Motorola introduced the DTR Series for unlicensed, on-site business use. With MOTOTRBO, Motorola brings that same innovation to scalable, high-performance communication solutions for commercial and enterprise users.

No. MOTOTRBO does not replace any of our current offerings. Instead, the system augments Motorola's current digital portfolio: with the introduction of MOTOTRBO for the organizations/enterprises already identified, Motorola now has one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of digital radio solutions.

RCA Communications Systems is a U.S.-based manufacturer of commercial two-way radios known for offering high-performance, cost-effective alternatives to major brands. RCA radios are fully compatible with most existing digital and analog systems and are built to withstand real-world work environments.

RCA radios offer many of the same core features — such as digital/analog compatibility, long battery life, clear audio, and rugged design — at a more budget-friendly price. They’re an excellent option for schools, retail operations, warehouses, and other businesses looking for dependable communication without overpaying for unnecessary features.

Yes. The RCA RDR2500 Series is one of our most popular models, especially for education and small business users. It delivers loud, clear sound with X-Sound+ HD audio, a compact and durable build, and compatibility with both analog and digital systems.

Absolutely. RCA radios are designed to work with many existing radio systems — including Motorola MOTOTRBO — as long as the frequencies and protocols align. We can help you verify compatibility before you buy.