Radio coverage range is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in radio procurement. Manufacturer-stated range figures — often quoted as ‘up to X miles’ — are measured in optimal open-terrain conditions with no obstructions. Real-world range in enterprise environments is almost always significantly less. In a multi-floor building, effective range between floors may be measured in hundreds of feet. On a sprawling outdoor festival site, range may be limited by terrain features and structures. Coverage is extended by choosing the correct frequency band (UHF for indoor, VHF for outdoor), deploying repeaters to relay signals across large areas, and installing BDA and DAS infrastructure in buildings. Professional coverage planning — not reliance on manufacturer specs — is what produces reliable real-world results.
