Mobile Systems Limited answers common questions about two-way radios, PoC radios, GPS fleet tracking, Starlink and satellite communications, marine radios, lone worker safety devices, body worn cameras, and portable CCTV hire. Based in Mt Maunganui, MSL supplies, installs, and services communications equipment for businesses, fleets, councils, schools, and contractors across the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Rotorua, TaupΕ, and Waikato. Browse FAQs by category below, or get in touch with our team for advice on the right setup for your operation.
Two-Way Radios
How long does a two-way radio battery last?
Most two-way radio batteries last around 8 hours per shift under normal use. Manufacturers typically base this on a 5-5-90 duty cycle: 5% transmitting, 5% receiving, 90% on standby. Heavy talkers will see shorter battery life, while light users can often stretch a battery through a full day.
What's the difference between VHF and UHF radios?
VHF (136-174 MHz in New Zealand) travels further over open, clear terrain such as farmland or water. UHF (400-470 MHz) handles obstructions like buildings, trees, and hilly ground better, making it the stronger choice for forestry, construction, and built-up sites. If you're working in a mix of both, talk to us about a system that covers your specific terrain.
What is a repeater, and do I need one?
A repeater receives a radio signal and re-transmits it at higher power from a fixed, elevated location, extending your coverage well beyond what handheld-to-handheld range allows. If your team works across hilly terrain, dense forestry, or a large site where radios regularly drop out, a repeater is usually the fix. We can assess your coverage and recommend fixed or solar-powered repeater options.
What is a trunked radio system?
A trunked system automatically allocates an available channel to each call rather than locking users to one fixed channel. This means better spectrum efficiency, more privacy, and built-in resilience if one repeater goes down. Trunked systems suit larger fleets and organisations with high call volumes. Smaller teams are usually well served by a conventional repeater setup.
What is Lone Worker safety on a radio?
Lone Worker is a built-in safety feature on many portable radios. If the radio detects no activity within a set period, it triggers an audible alert and can send an emergency status message. It's a simple, effective safeguard for anyone working solo in remote or hazardous environments, from forestry crews to facilities staff doing after-hours rounds.
Do I need a radio licence?
Most commercial two-way radio frequencies in New Zealand require a licence through Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). We handle the licensing process for our clients as part of a new system install, including frequency selection and coverage planning, so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Can you program my existing radios?
Yes. We can reprogram radios for new channels, frequencies, or features. If you don't have your existing programming details on file, we can usually read them directly from one of your current radios.
Satellite & Starlink
What is a LEO satellite, and why does it matter?
LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit, meaning the satellite sits much closer to Earth (roughly 250 to 2,000 km up) than traditional geostationary satellites. This closeness gives LEO networks like Starlink much lower latency and better coverage in remote areas, which is exactly why they've become the go-to option for rural and off-grid connectivity in New Zealand.
Will Starlink work on a moving vehicle or vessel?
Yes, with the right mounting and setup. We install Starlink on vehicles, marine vessels, and fixed rural sites across the Bay of Plenty, matching the hardware and mount to how and where you'll actually use it.
Is satellite better than cellular for remote sites?
It depends on your location. If you've got reasonable cellular coverage, a cellular solution is usually cheaper and simpler. Once you're outside reliable cell range, satellite becomes the only consistent option. We can assess your site and recommend whichever gets you connected without overspending.
GPS Fleet Tracking
What can GPS fleet tracking actually tell me?
A good fleet tracking system shows live vehicle location, route history, driving behaviour, and maintenance scheduling, all in one dashboard. For most clients, the real value is simple: knowing where every vehicle is, right now, without a phone call.
Is GPS tracking only useful for large fleets?
No. Even a handful of vehicles benefits from tracking, particularly for proving job locations, managing after-hours use, or recovering a stolen vehicle quickly. We scale the system to your fleet size, not the other way around.
Working With MSL
Where are you based, and who do you service?
We're based in Mount Maunganui and service the greater Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga, Coromandel, the Volcanic Plateau, and Eastern Waikato. We also support clients further afield across New Zealand depending on the project.
Do you sell direct to the public, or only to businesses?
Both. We work with everyone from hobby radio users and outdoor adventurers through to large national organisations. Whatever the scale, you'll get the same level of advice and support.
Can you maintain equipment you didn't originally supply?
Yes. Our service and repair team works across all major radio, GPS, and Starlink brands, regardless of who installed it originally.
Browse FAQs by Topic
Looking for something more specific? Our full FAQ library is organised by topic below.
Two-Way Radios Range, channels, PRS, UHF vs VHF, and more Antennas Mounting, gain, SWR, and antenna selection Satellite & Starlink LEO satellites, coverage, and installation
GPS & Fleet Management Tracking, RUC, and fleet visibility Safety & Emergency Locator beacons, distress beacons, intrinsically safe radios Surveillance & PA Systems CCTV privacy obligations and PA system basics
Still have a question? Contact our team and we'll get you a straight answer.