Why More UK Farmers Are Turning to Two-Way Radios – And Why You Should Too!

Why More UK Farmers Are Turning to Two-Way Radios – And Why You Should Too!

At Lightcomm, we’ve seen a clear shift across British agriculture: more and more farmers are replacing unreliable mobile phones and outdated CB radios with robust, purpose-built two-way radio systems.

And it’s no surprise why. From day-to-day coordination to lone-worker safety, modern two-way radios are proving themselves essential tools for today’s farms – whether you run a smallholding or a multi-site commercial operation.

Clear, Instant Communication – No Signal Required

Two-way radios offer immediate push-to-talk communication, without the need for mobile coverage or internet access. This makes them ideal for rural and remote farms where signal can be patchy or non-existent.

Whether you're checking fencing, operating machinery, or moving livestock, radios help your team stay connected in real-time — across fields, yards, and vehicles.

CB Radios vs Two-Way Radios: What’s the Difference?

We’re often asked whether CB radios are still a good option for farm use. The short answer: two-way radios are superior in almost every way.

Here’s why farmers are making the switch:

  • Clearer sound – CB radios suffer from interference; two-way radios offer crisp, clear audio (especially digital models)

  • Better range – Especially with licensed VHF/UHF sets or repeaters

  • More compact and portable – Ideal for carrying while working

  • Secure communication – Two-way radios can use private or dedicated channels

  • Tougher build quality – Designed for mud, dust, water, and knocks

  • Modern features – Including hands-free VOX, GPS tracking, emergency alerts and more

Simply put, two-way radios are built for farm life, where reliability and speed of communication can make all the difference.

Rugged Kits Built for Agriculture

We offer a full range of Complete Agri Kits, designed specifically for farm work. These include everything you need to get started — from in-cab radios and aerials to handheld sets and accessories.

Popular kits include:

  • Kenwood NX-1700 VHF Agri Kit – Durable and powerful with exceptional clarity

  • Hytera MD615 Digital Kit – Strong digital performance with waterproof protection

  • Motorola GM340 Refurbished Kit – Trusted analogue radio, ideal for cost-effective upgrades

  • Kenwood Digital Slurry Kit – Built to handle the harshest conditions in slurry operations

All kits are ready to install, and our team is on hand to advise based on the size and layout of your farm.

Safety First – Especially for Lone Workers

Farming can be hazardous, especially when staff are working alone or out of sight. Many of our two-way radios come with lone-worker and man-down features, which send alerts automatically if a user becomes unresponsive.

In emergencies, instant radio access is far quicker and more reliable than calling for help via a mobile – particularly in areas with no signal.

Licence-Free or Licensed – We’ll Guide You

We supply both PMR446 licence-free radios (perfect for smaller operations or close-range use) and licensed VHF/UHF radios for larger sites and extended coverage.

Need help with Ofcom licensing? We’ll take care of it. We’re happy to guide you through what’s required and ensure your system is compliant and optimised for your land.

Nationwide Options with Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC)

For contractors, transport teams, or multi-site farms, our Connect Plus PoC radios offer nationwide communication using existing mobile networks – but with all the durability and simplicity of a two-way radio. It’s perfect for staying in touch on the road, between farms, or across regions.

Trusted by Farmers Across the UK

We’ve proudly supplied hundreds of British farmers with radio solutions that work as hard as they do. From slurry tankers in Cumbria to arable teams in East Anglia, our radios are used every day to increase efficiency, improve safety, and keep farms running smoothly.

"We used to rely on mobiles, but the signal was patchy and people missed calls. Since switching to the Kenwood Agri Kit from Lightcomm, communication across the farm has been instant and crystal clear. It’s made a real difference during harvest and irrigation season."
– Farm Manager, Oxfordshire

"We run multiple tankers across several sites and were struggling to coordinate between drivers. The radios from Lightcomm were easy to install, and the service was spot on. The team helped us choose the right setup – we wouldn’t go back."
– Agricultural Contractor, Staffordshire

We work closely with each customer to recommend the right equipment for your land, staff, and setup. Whether you're after handhelds, mobile units, or a full mixed-system solution, we're here to help.

Talk to Us Today

Whether you’re upgrading from CB radios, tired of dropped mobile calls, or equipping a new team for harvest, we’ll help you find the right kit for the job.

📞 Call us on 0808 169 8973 
🌐 Visit: www.lightcomm.co.uk



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