For example, fire units in both Manatee County in Florida and Orangeburg County in South Carolina were both recently notified of technological grants by FEMA. Manatee was awarded $799,885 in federal funds, and Orangeburg received $250,000.

"These old radios are starting to degrade the signals and the digital radio system," said deputy chief of West Manatee Fire Rescue Brett Pollock, according to the Brandenton Herald. "This is a significant amount of radios that are going to help out all the departments."

Both departments should consider using the funds to purchase two way radios like the Motorola HT1250, which would be perfect for firefighters in the field. This reliable model can withstand abnormal temperatures and can be worn comfortably inside of bunker gear. When equipped with a Motorola headset, the unit can provide voice-activated transmission that can be critical in hazardous environments.

The Motorola HT1250 is the perfect addition to fire departments across the United States.

Bouncers could use the Motorola CP185 to check in with a dispatcher to make sure that a guest claiming to know the owner is telling the truth. VOX communication through a Motorola headset could enable the same bouncer to physically deal with any unruly patrons without the risk of slipping out of contact. The X-Pand audio engineering will also supersede the pumping music and background noise of a busy club so that floor managers can hear exactly what is being relayed to them.

The multi-channel capability of these devices can separate different teams onto specific networks, leaving a catering group free to use the same device as the crowd management squad without interference. Motorola portable radios can improve a nightclub's operation through centralized communication.

For example, tile is laid on top of a base of cement with a layer of mortar. Each square is precisely leveled and arranged to support the weight of the tile next to it – if someone walks on this surface before the cement hardens, the entire project will be ruined. A portable radio like the Motorola CP200 can enable a tile mason to inform electricians, painters and other workers that a certain area is off limits. In turn, electricians wearing heavy gloves can utilize the large transmit button to communicate when power will be switched on and off. Up to 16 channels can be assigned to separate construction teams.

Two-way radios can centralize the indispensable communication needed on a construction site, and should be utilized by foremans everywhere.

The increasing popularity of marine biomedical technology is resulting in an increase in scientists who specialize in studying aquatic creatures for new drugs and applications. When on the open ocean, a portable radio like the Motorola CP185 can be employed by researches to transmit on-the-spot data that might revolutionize the industry later.

If an oceanographer suddenly spots a rare jellyfish, he or she can use the VOX capable walkie talkie to broadcast the location while simultaneously steering a watercraft. The military specifications of the Motorola CP185 enable it to withstand even the most extreme marine environments, and Motorola accessories can provide anything from hands-free communication to GPS tracking.

A two-way radio can be a marine biologist's best friend in aquatic locales, and the Motorola CP185 is a reliable choice for any research team.

Temple University, for example, spent $250,000 to upgrade their communication system with digital two-way radios.

According to the Temple News, deputy director of Campus Safety Services said "In order to do that, [we] didn’t have to go to digital but it would be like having an old car and fixing it to help it pass inspection. But you still have the old car and you can’t do much with it other than what you have. Everyone [is] going to digital, so we decided to go to digital as well."

Portable radios employing MotoTRBO technology have GPS location capabilities that allow university officials to pinpoint officers that request back-up or additional help. Educational institutions switching to FCC regulations should consider MotoTRBO options for the future.

The Motorola HT1250 is a cost-effective portable radio that can be used by fishermen around the world. The integrated X-Pand compression system eliminates the background noise that can come from industrial machinery hauling in nets, and special alert signals can be sent out to coordinate the retrieval and storage of seafood. A programmable emergency button can also inform upper management of dangerous situations that require immediate action such as a man falling overboard. The water-resistant chassis is perfect for the wet conditions present on the open sea.

Accessories like a Motorola headset can leave a fisherman's hands free to deal with slick netting or unsteady decks, and the internal VOX can provide voice-activated correspondence when necessary.

When fishing on the ocean, ships should be sure to employ two-way radios to manage their operational infrastructure.

For example, the Motorola CP185 portable two-way radio model combines innovative features with practical accessories. Its multi-channel capabilities can allow supervisors at a football game to efficiently monitor police, public and private frequencies to identify any potential crowd chokepoints where control is needed. Especially at sporting events, the 70 dB selection allows a transmission to bypass interfering broadcasts for streamlined correspondence.

A Motorola headset or speaker microphone can be incorporated to allow for hands-free implementation of a two-way portable radio, which could by handy in a situation where a crowd control officer has to chase down a suspect or quickly set up barriers.

Even at events where no problems are expected, crowd control officials always need to be ready in the event of an emergency, and two-way radios can ensure that contingency plans are executed without a hitch.

For example, according to NVDaily.com, one primary school in Virginia is experiencing terrible congestion after classes finish for the day.

"Traffic flow at this time is a safety concern," said Brenda Ring, principal of Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School. "There are [more than 580] students trying to get to school at the same time with cars and buses all the time in front of the school."

It can be hard for education authorities to communicate over the din of honking horns and loud students, but two-way radios can be used to provide safe traffic regulation. The X-Band technology in a model like the Motorola CP185 can block out ambient noise so that traffic regulators can direct parents and children to the appropriate locations. The addition of a Motorola headset can leave an operator's hands free to signal to incoming traffic.

The benefits of two-way radios are clear when it comes to public safety in a school parking lot, and educational boards should consider implementing them soon.

Many movies are shot in locations that deal with rough terrain and have no cell-phone service, making quick communications a nightmare. For example, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, and many scenes took place on the slopes of mountains. Imagine what would have happened if Peter Jackson had to run down to communicate with the actors and personnel.

A device like the Motorola XPR 6550 Portable Radio would be perfect for film team. The IP Site Connect feature allows transmission between multiple locations, which would be essential for coordinating cameras filming from far away. Over a thousand people can use the radio system at a time, which could accommodate the extras and specific shooting needs. The portable radio is even sealed against wind and dust, and can be submerged in water up to a half hour, enabling function in the wilderness.

Recently, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced its intention to buy 2,700 Motorola two-way radios and distribute them to transit police in New York City. This plan is being implemented in addition to a former radio upgrade that cost $160 million.

“This means for the first time, officers in the NYPD Transit Bureau will be able to communicate directly by radio with NYPD precinct officers,” said Bloomberg spokesman Marc La Vorgna, according to the NY Post.

A portable radio like the Motorola CP200 would be a good choice when the MTA chooses which model to purchase. Nicknamed "the industry workhorse," the CP200 incorporates useful features like an enlarged push-to-talk button, which is perfect for an EMT or aid worker wearing gloves. The die-cast chassis would also be able to handle the daily wear and tear from being used by transit police on subway lines, trains and buses.

Two-way radios are extraordinarily useful for the daily operations of transit police, and other cities should follow the New York MTA's example of upgrading to two-way radios.