Why can't walkie-talkies talk continuously like mobile phones?

Why can't walkie-talkies talk continuously like mobile phones?

When using walkie-talkies, we sometimes habitually press and hold the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button to speak. After a while, the walkie-talkie will automatically release our transmission, and we need to regain the right to speak in order to communicate again. Many people might think that this is due to a malfunction or sluggish response of the walkie-talkie, but in fact, it is a design feature of the walkie-talkie itself, mainly for the following two reasons:

1.

Avoiding Channel Occupation and Ensuring Emergency Dispatch Needs
Walkie-talkies, as communication tools, are widely used in various workplaces. Unlike mobile phones that rely on public network base stations, wireless walkie-talkies can communicate simply by tuning to the same frequency, making them more convenient and faster to use. However, this also means that walkie-talkies have certain limitations due to their "one-to-many" communication feature. Since walkie-talkies use a half-duplex communication mode, only one person can speak at a time while others can only listen. In situations where multiple people need to coordinate work, if one person occupies the channel for too long, others will be unable to speak. This is especially problematic in emergencies, as it can prevent critical information from being conveyed in a timely manner.
The typical speaking time for a walkie-talkie is usually between 30 to 60 seconds. Some digital walkie-talkies can flexibly define this time through programming software. In addition, models like the AKL DMR series can further configure the walkie-talkie's permissions, supporting features such as transmission time limits and low transmission priority.

2.

Reducing Power Consumption and Enhancing Walkie-Talkie Lifespan
From the perspective of protecting the walkie-talkie itself, limiting speaking time is also essential. When transmitting, walkie-talkies have a relatively high transmission power. Prolonged speaking can cause excessive wear on internal components, and in severe cases, it may even lead to the burnout of the transmitter module.