3-year TCO: LMR vs LTE PTToC for a 100-user fleet
A worked total-cost-of-ownership model comparing a new LMR build, an LMR refresh, and an LTE PTToC deployment for a 100-user operation.
This model compares three scenarios for a 100-user field operation over three years: a greenfield DMR build, a refresh of an existing DMR system, and a greenfield LTE PTToC deployment. Numbers are approximate; use them as a directional starting point, not a quote.
Scenario A — greenfield DMR
- Devices (100 portables + accessories): ~$85k
- Infrastructure (2 repeaters, backhaul, licensing, engineering): ~$120k
- Support and maintenance over 3 years: ~$45k
- 3-year total: ~$250k, or $833 per user per year.
Scenario B — DMR refresh
- Devices refresh (100 portables): ~$70k
- Infrastructure upgrades: ~$40k
- Support and maintenance over 3 years: ~$45k
- 3-year total: ~$155k, or $517 per user per year.
Scenario C — greenfield LTE PTToC
- Devices (100 rugged LTE radios + accessories): ~$55k
- Platform + multi-carrier connectivity + support (100 users × 36 months × ~$35): ~$126k
- Provisioning, training, dispatch console: ~$15k
- 3-year total: ~$196k, or $653 per user per year.
Reading the numbers
LTE PTToC beats a greenfield DMR build by roughly 20% and delivers materially more capability (GPS, video, telemetry, mutual aid). DMR refresh is cheapest on paper but only for organizations already committed to LMR and willing to forego data workflows. Hybrid (DMR + gateway + LTE PTToC) often lands between B and C in cost while delivering close to C's capability.
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