I have a lot of experience with two way radio gear in the law enforcement and public safety and to a lesser extent business contexts. Wayne is right - but there are many other substantial advantages. However, in field tests we've run in different contexts (geographic and architectural), we've concluded that the Motorola consumer stuff is nearly worthless. I don't think I can fully answer the question in the context of a comment - too many variables, both regulatory and technological. But would be happy to write something longer, which I've been meaning to do for my blog [Popular Logistics][1] anyway. But here's a short answer: 1. reputable places that rent to film production companies (at least in NY or LA) are good for short-term rentals - but don't count on even the bigger places having units available on short notice or in an emergency. 2. You want gear which operates in the "business-industrial" frequency pool, which requires registration/licensing from the FCC - but without the challenging ham radio proficiency testing. Nonprofits - e.g. disaster relief groups - are usually exempt from fees. 3. Motorola is *not* the only game in town; other manufacturers make gear as good, sometimes better, usually much less expensive. The ill will among 9/11 survivor families about the FDNY Motorola radios, which failed on 9/11, is still a painful subject for many. Happy to answer questions, specific or general, or prepare a lengthier post on request. NB: I have no skin in this game - don't design, sell or rent them. We are *planning* to start a nonprofit to provide emergency energy and communications capabilities (including radio) to community-based organizations and local governments. 4. Not having answered questions before, although I'm a fanatical reader of KK and Cool Tools, I've refrained from endorsing specific manufacturers, models, or dealers, but can make recommendations if requested.Some gear we know about - but haven't had the budget to purchase and test (we're wary of accepting samples). Hope this is helpful. Jon [1]: http://popularlogistics.com

I have a lot of experience with two way radio gear in the law enforcement and public safety and to a lesser extent business contexts. Wayne is right - but there are many other substantial advantages. However, in field tests we've run in different contexts (geographic and architectural), we've concluded that the Motorola consumer stuff is nearly worthless. I don't think I can fully answer the question in the context of a comment - too many variables, both regulatory and technological. But would be happy to write something longer, which I've been meaning to do for my blog [Popular Logistics][1] anyway. But here's a short answer: 1. reputable places that rent to film production companies (at least in NY or LA) are good for short-term rentals - but don't count on even the bigger places having units available on short notice or in an emergency. 2. You want gear which operates in the "business-industrial" frequency pool, which requires registration/licensing from the FCC - but without the challenging ham radio proficiency testing. Nonprofits - e.g. disaster relief groups - are usually exempt from fees. 3. Motorola is *not* the only game in town; other manufacturers make gear as good, sometimes better, usually much less expensive. The ill will among 9/11 survivor families about the FDNY Motorola radios, which failed on 9/11, is still a painful subject for many. Happy to answer questions, specific or general, or prepare a lengthier post on request. NB: I have no skin in this game - [1]: http://popularlogistics.com