HF Radio Networks

Hi Peter

From what I have read, the other networks have shut their doors and the VKS network is now the last one standing.

Have you thought about a prepaid satellite phone?

I have not been with the VKS network for over 10 years now, but purchased an Inmarsat Phone around the same time and only ever had it prepaid.

Then when federal laws changed years ago, you do not have to have any credit to dial 000

I just make sure my battery is kept charged and every now and then…around twice a year crank it up and do the free test my phone to make sure it is still working.

The good thing with Inmarsat, you do not have to have credit on your SIM to keep your number, unlike say Telstra where if you don’t use your phone and it’s not active for 6 months, you lose your number.

As far as I know the Austravel Safety Net is still operational. My membership lapsed recently because we don't do any remote trips now.

With the advancement of technology long range radio is maybe not such a requirement. Mobile telephone coverage is increasing along the main routes. With the advent of Starlink internet and hence telephone coverage over the whole of Australia is possible.

HF Radio Club (HFRC) is still going and has an active membership. They continue to have daily skeds and can still provide the radio telephone services that VKS-737 no longer do.

https://hfradioclub.com.au/

Having had a couple of major recoveries in my 50 years of outback touring, funnily enough both of them since the advent of Satphones and mobiles I feel I can comment. Yes we did have occasions in the early days to use the HF for both medical and other emergencies, originally through the RFDS and later through VKS.
I carried a Satphone on the iridium network for years until the first real need, have you ever tried calling a call centre on a satphone? Next to impossible as the system can't handle the delay while you push buttons, and when you finally after many tries get to speak to a person they just think you're on a mobile and hang up when you don't reply straight away.
On both occasions the satellite phone was next to useless due to heavy rain and storms which caused loss of signal and constant dropouts. We were in desert areas so absolutely no trees or scrub to affect reception.
After many hours of attempting to arrange recovery on the satphone (which subsequently cost several hundred dollars) I did what I should have done in the first place and called VKS on the HF, within an hour we had confirmation that assistance was arranged and were subsequently kept informed over the following days.
We now have a Starlink setup but the HF is still on the bullbar for real emergencies as the Starlink is also affected by heavy rain and terrain and it's good to have a plan B.

Reids Radio Data based in cowra offers telephone interconnect services..Excellent service.

.
Connie and Mick of Beadell Tours have used Reid's Radiodata for many years and recommend their service.

Hi Peter,
I went through a similar experience, and with my 9323/9350 I signed up with Austravel.
What they offer is quite extensive, and I found all my interactions as a newbie were answered in a timely and friendly manner.
They are well setup for using 9323 to call or text mobile phones, and they offer morning and afternoon skeds.
Would be worth your while to visit their website and check out what they have to offer: www.austravelsafetynet.org.au
I found that they are clearly moving forward as far as HF communications go, and I felt great confidence because of this. I love my old 9323, so am glad I've signed up with a group who have similar philosophies.

Cheers

Phillip Simpson

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I ended up going with AusTravel

Enjoy using radio equipment while you can.
The tradition owners will soon lay claim to the sacred frequencies.