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Radio hire is one of the most affordable ways businesses can run events or projects smoothly (with the help of two-way communication devices). It involves no long-term commitment and costs are controlled by the business taking out the hire. With minimal impact on capital expenditure, event organisers, food creators, security teams, and anyone else involved in putting on a show or project, can live safe in the knowledge that their crowds or staff can thrive, without breaking the bank.

And in most walks of life, hiring or renting something is cheaper than buying it outright, and comes with less commitment and greater flexibility. And radio hire, or two-way radio hire, is no different. 

But just how cost-effective is it, and what do businesses – who run time critical events and projects – get exactly for their money?

In today’s blog we take a closer look at how much bang for their buck, gig organisers, food festival creators, and firework starters get when they take out a radio hire. 

A two-way radio hire with Eemits

Let's jump straight into what a radio hire compromises of with Eemits Communications.

Radios perfect for hire

First and foremost, you get access to a range of high-quality two-way radio devices. Based on the environment, we will recommend the most suitable radio device to each individual customer. 

Along with the radios, event organisers and project owners also have access (at an additional cost) to audio accessories and spare batteries should they be required. 

And by hiring the radios, you’re able to futureproof your communication requirements, as you’ll be able to hire the latest in technology versus purchasing radios that may become obsolete further down the line. 

Affordable costs

Renting goods and services isn’t a new concept, but it’s one that is lasting the test of time. 

This is because it gives you the flexibility to enjoy a product or service without the burden of long-term commitment (flashbacks to the 90s and Blockbuster).

And whilst the world has moved on from rented VHS tapes of Arnold Schwarzenegger saying, “I’ll be back”, the demand for physically hiring communication devices remains strong. 

The Eemits short-term two-way radio hire service compromises of the following costs: 

- Maximum cost of £7 per radio (non-ATEX)

- Maximum cost of £14 per ATEX radio

- Inclusive programming 

- Radios tuned to the Eemits hire frequency for peace of mind (at no extra cost)

Flexible terms

In 2023, having the flexibility to choose how long you use a product or service for is essential. 

Whether it’s the monthly subscription to watch Idris Elba in his latest ‘all-action hero’ performance, or the finance you take out on a new set of wheels – you can always in be control of how much and for how long you’re paying for goods or services. 

Our radio hire service works in the same way. You get to pick how long you want the two-way radio hire for. Hires start from as little as one week and can go beyond a 12-month period. 

There is no set-term contract and the cost per device/or accessory will decrease the more devices you have and the longer you hire them for. 

The cost of radio hire v radio purchase

When deciding if a two-way radio hire is suitable for your needs, you should consider the comparative costs of purchasing devices outright. 

A direct purchase has its advantages, such as owning the equipment outright and choosing your own radio frequencies but comes with the burden of long-term commitment if you don’t necessarily want it. 

And like other technology, software, features and hardware build all start to depreciate as time goes on. In some cases, you may even experience situations where you need to get a radio repaired – all at a cost which you haven’t budgeted for. 

Let’s look at a non-ATEX two-way radio device and compare how much it would cost to hire versus a direct purchase. The examples are based on a customer hiring 20 radios for 1-4 weeks and between 27-51 weeks. 

As mentioned, the cost of hiring radios with Eemits is determined by the amount of devices, and how long the hire is required for. On this basis, the cost for 20 non-ATEX radios for a period of 1-4 weeks and 27-51 weeks is as follows: 

Two-way radio hire cost (1-4 weeks, excluding VAT)

- 11-25 radios capped at £6.50 per device

- Hire duration of 1-4 weeks capped at £6.50 per device

- Maximum cost of hire (based on terms for 4 weeks) is £520

- If required, there would be additional costs for any accessories or repeater

- No requirement to purchase OFCOM licence

Two-way radio hire cost (27-51 weeks, excluding VAT)

- 11-25 radios capped at £5.25 per device

- Hire duration of 27-51 weeks capped at £5.25 per device

- Maximum cost of hire (based on terms for 51 weeks) is £5,355

- If required, there would be additional costs for any accessories or repeaters

- No requirement to purchase OFCOM licence

Direct purchase cost (excluding VAT)

Let’s assume a scenario where a company wants to use radios for set periods at a time but decides to purchase the radios outright. Now let’s assume the average cost of 20 licenced radios is £250 per device. 

Based on the above, the following guaranteed costs would be: 

- £250 per device

- A total of £5,000 for 20 devices

- £75 minimum for a 5-year OFCOM licence (cost will depend on where the radios will be used)

Other potential costs

- Installation cost if infrastructure required 

- Repair costs as devices depreciate in performance overtime 

- Repair costs if devices unexpectedly damaged (not covered under standard warranty)

- Cost of battery replacement as battery performance diminishes over time

- Cost to replace device if lost or stolen

As you can see, a one-off cost may turn into additional purchases and the burden of managing a fleet of radios without the appropriate knowledge or expertise of how to do so. 

Three devices perfect for radio hire

Now that we’ve explained the finer details of a two-way radio hire, it’s time to wrap this blog up by mentioning three devices that are perfect for such a service. 

Hytera PD705

Let’s begin with the Hytera PD705, a simplistic, user-friendly, two-way radio that gives end users ultra-reliable coverage. 

With enhanced sound capabilities and an ergonomic industrial design, the PD705 holds its own as a radio that can be used on the go and in harsh environments.

Motorola DP4400e

Featuring impressive audio, that automatically adjusts radio volume in line with background noise, the Motorola DP4400e is ideal for the live events space. And it also holds its own as a device to drive projects forwards. 

With a dedicated emergency button and other important safety features, the DP4400e is fully equipped to protect staff and eventgoers in emergency situations.

Motorola DP4401Ex

Designed for ATEX environments, the Motorola DP4401Ex is a suitable choice for COMAH sites, especially during shutdown season. 

Built to exacting standards, the device is ATEX-approved, and therefore required in environments that are potentially explosive or hazardous. 

Packed full of important safety features, the DP4401Ex is a go-to communication device on sites where danger can strike at any moment. 

A cost-effective conclusion

And that concludes our look at just how cost-effective radio hire is. As you can see, a two-way radio hire provides businesses with a cheap, flexible way to reap the benefits of using two-way radios for a set period, rather than being lumbered with devices that may just end up gathering dust or accruing unnecessary expenditure costs.

Having the flexibility to pick your own terms puts you in control of your next live event or project. And at a cost that won’t exceed £7 (per non-ATEX device) or £14 (ATEX device), your capital expenditure can be distributed across other areas of the business. 

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective radio hire solution, choose Eemits today. You can get in touch with us via our contact us form, or on 0800 328 0100. Our team is available Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:15pm.