The Motorola DLR1020 has been discontinued.
Motorola has retired the DLR1020. The recommended replacement is the Motorola CURVE DLR110, the current license-free 900 MHz digital business radio. For help upgrading an existing DLR1020 fleet or for pricing, call 1-800-681-8023 or request a quote.
Motorola DLR1020 License-Free 900 MHz Digital Two-Way Radio
The Motorola DLR1020 was a license-free 900 MHz ISM digital two-way radio built for compact, discreet, on-site communication. Using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), the Motorola DLR1020 delivered secure, interference-free audio without an FCC license, making it a popular choice across retail, hospitality, events, education and healthcare. Lightweight and easy to conceal, the DLR1020 brought professional-grade digital performance to teams that needed clear coverage without the bulk of a traditional radio.
Although the Motorola DLR1020 is now discontinued, it remains one of the most requested models in the license-free two-way radio category. Below you will find the original DLR1020 specifications along with the recommended current-generation replacement.
Key Features
- License-Free 900 MHz Operation: Runs on the 900 MHz ISM band with no FCC license required — ready to use out of the box.
- FHSS Digital Security: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum delivers secure, interference-free communication that resists eavesdropping and channel congestion.
- Compact & Discreet: Lightweight, pocket-sized design ideal for retail, hospitality, events, education and healthcare staff.
- Private Reply & Direct Call: Streamlined one-to-one calling features for faster, more focused team collaboration.
- All-Day Battery: Up to 14 hours of runtime to cover a full shift on a single charge.
- Wide Coverage: Approximately 300,000 sq ft or 20 floors of in-building range.
- Rugged Build: MIL-STD 810 C–G tested with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Motorola DLR1020 |
| Power Output | 1 Watt |
| Channels | 2 Channels |
| Band / Frequency Range | 900 MHz ISM FHSS |
| Technology | Digital |
| License Required | No License Required |
| Coverage | 300,000 sq ft / 20 floors |
| Battery Life | 14 Hours |
| Key Features | Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Private Reply, Direct Call |
| Durability | MIL-STD 810 C, D, E, F, G |
| IP Rating | IP52 |
| Encryption | No |
| Warranty | 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
What Replaces the Motorola DLR1020?
Now that the Motorola DLR1020 is retired, here is what we recommend in its place. The replacement keeps the same license-free 900 MHz digital platform while adding a modern design and improved feature set:
- Motorola CURVE DLR110 — the direct, current-generation replacement for the DLR1020. Same license-free 900 MHz FHSS digital performance in an updated, ergonomic build.
- CURVE DLR110 accessories — earpieces, chargers and batteries to outfit your new fleet.
- DLR accessories — compatible gear from the wider DLR ecosystem.
- Motorola business two-way radios — browse the full range if you need a different power level or channel count.
Want the full reasoning? Read upgrading discontinued DLR radios to the CURVE DLR110 or see why the CURVE DLR110 replaces legacy radios.
See the Recommended Replacement →
Frequently Asked Questions About the Motorola DLR1020
Is the Motorola DLR1020 discontinued?
Yes. Motorola has discontinued the DLR1020. The radio is no longer manufactured, and the recommended replacement is the Motorola CURVE DLR110, which runs on the same license-free 900 MHz digital platform.
What is the best replacement for the Motorola DLR1020?
The best replacement for the Motorola DLR1020 is the Motorola CURVE DLR110. It is the direct, current-generation successor — license-free 900 MHz FHSS digital, compact, and compatible with a modern range of CURVE DLR110 accessories.
Does the Motorola DLR1020 require an FCC license?
No. The Motorola DLR1020 operates on the 900 MHz ISM band and is license-free, so no FCC license is required to use it. Its replacement, the CURVE DLR110, is also license-free.
What was the range of the Motorola DLR1020?
The Motorola DLR1020 was rated for approximately 300,000 sq ft or up to 20 floors of in-building coverage, using 1 Watt of power on the 900 MHz ISM band with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum.
Can I still get accessories for the Motorola DLR1020?
Yes. You can still find compatible gear in our DLR accessories collection. For new deployments we recommend moving to the CURVE DLR110 platform. For help migrating an existing DLR1020 fleet, call 1-800-681-8023 or request a quote.