--By Jay Farlow

The Alervites brand, model AT1 handheld transceiver is a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) communications device that enables license-free two-way communication anywhere that a cellular data signal is present.

According to the Baofeng website, Alervites is a sub-brand of the Baofeng brand. The website indicates that the company derived the name “Alervites” from the English words, “alert” and “elite” and the French word “vite,” which translates to “quickly.”

The Alervites AT1 case has the same form factor as the brand’s AT2 amateur transceiver, but the AT1 transmits and receives only via cellular data. Unlike some PoC radios sold in the US by other brands, the AT1 does not incorporate a Family Radio Service (FRS) FM transceiver that would enable communication when no data service is available. Similarly, the AT1 lacks the ability to use Wi-Fi signals in lieu of cellular data.

Dedicated and Secure Communication Network

Baofeng sells the AT1 in pairs, which is helpful, because this reviewer has found no way to use the AT1 to communicate with any other brand of PoC radio. The AT1 uses Alervites’ own voice over internet protocol (VOIP) servers and provides no option to connect to other popular VOIP platforms such as Zello, RealPTT, GlobalPTT, Microsoft Teams, etc. Likewise, there is no obvious way to create a gateway between the Alervites platform and other systems. If the Alervites VOIP servers ever become unavailable, users will be unable to communicate via their AT1 radios. The radio runs on a proprietary operating system and provides no way to load apps.

SIM Card and Data Plan Included

Like many other devices that rely on cellular data, the AT1 requires a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. Baofeng provides an activated, “lifetime” SIM card with each radio. On its website, the company promises to renew the data plan without charge when it expires. The company does not indicate which cellular carriers the SIM card uses.

Battery and SIM Access

To install each radio’s SIM card and 2,200 milliamp-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery, one simply opens the rear battery cover by pressing near the belt clip and sliding the cover toward the bottom.

Charging the Battery

With each AT1 radio, the manufacturer provides a charging cable that has a USB-A connector at one end and a USB-C connector at the other end. This allows users to charge the radio via the USB-C port on the radio. The package does not include a USB-A power supply, but users may charge the radio from any USB-A outlet. Although the battery is removeable, the manufacturer provides no way to charge batteries while not installed. No drop-in charger is available for the AT1. On standby, the battery lasted for several days before requiring recharge.

Audio Expansion

The AT1 features a standard 3.5 mm audio jack on its right-hand edge for connecting external audio accessories.

Easy Group Configuration

To begin communicating, users configure their AT1 radios into a shared virtual group. That means that at least one AT1 user must create a group and then invite other AT1 radios to join that group.

Users may create groups with the menu system on the radio or with the Baofeng Ola Radio app, which is available for the Android and iOS operating systems and connects to the AT1 via Bluetooth. Once a group exists, members may invite any AT1 radio to join by providing a six-digit invitation code. Such codes expire in 5 minutes, after which a new code must be created and provided to a new member. No public groups therefore exist that an AT1 user may join at will.

Because joining a group requires the cooperation of a current group member, every group is essentially a private group that no one outside the group may monitor.

Operation

Once configured, the AT1 operates like any other handheld transceiver, except that it transmits and receives only via cellular data networks. The audio is as clear as cell phone audio and receive audio can be set loud enough to overcome ambient noise.

If a radio is configured for more than one group, the user may change groups by turning the knob on the top of the radio. It is also possible to communicate with a single member of a group without other group members hearing that conversation.

Why PoC?

Because the AT1 requires access to a cellular network, it is reasonable to wonder why one would use the AT1 vs. one’s cell phone. In fact, a smart phone, especially one with an app like Zello installed, can do virtually everything an AT1 can do. Below are some advantages of a PoC radio like the AT1.

• Immediate communication. Speaking to another AT1 user requires only a press of the push-to-talk (PTT) key on the radio. One need not dial a number, wait for a connection, or wait for the recipient to accept the incoming call. Similarly, the caller does not need to open their smart phone and then open a VOIP app before speaking.
• Group communication. Speaking immediately and simultaneously to an entire group of users likewise requires only a press of the PTT key, versus opening a smart phone app.
• Children. Some families may prefer to avoid giving smart phones to their children. Handing a child a PoC radio facilitates communication among family members while avoiding the potential hazards associated with children using smart phones.
• Cellular coverage disparities. During a recent trip, my wife found that our cell phone carrier did not provide sufficient coverage at her location to support a phone call. We easily communicated with our AT1 radios, however, because they apparently use a different carrier that had better coverage at her location.
• Range. The geographic range of the AT1 depends only on the availability of cellular infrastructure, unlike FRS and similar radios, whose range is determined by radio wave propagation.
• License-free. Anyone may use a PoC radio like the AT1. Doing so requires no license or special knowledge.

Understanding PoC vs. Off-Grid Emergency Radios

It is important for AT1 users to understand that these devices do not support “off-grid” communication. If a large-scale emergency damages the cell phone infrastructure at the radio’s location, the AT1 will be useless, even over short distances. Consumers who want voice communication in such situations will need the equivalent of a US FRS radio (short range), US General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio, or an Amateur Radio transceiver, the latter two of which require licenses to transmit in the US.

Summary

The Alervites AT1 PoC radio performs as expected. Although it requires some configuration before use, doing so is not difficult. The radio’s audio is clear and loud. The AT1 would work well for anyone who wants walkie-talkie-style communication in areas covered by cellular data service.