Many newcomers to the joys of Outback travel are confused by the different communications options available. The traditional means of Outback telecommunication has been HF radio, commonly known as ‘Flying Doctor’ radio. Before the advent of satellite telephones HF radio was the only means of mobile communication that 4x4 owners could rely on. There’s no doubt that a handset satellite phone is more portable than an HF radio that needs to be installed in a vehicle, with a power supply and a large aerial.

Also, there’s no licence needed to operate a satphone. A satphone can be carried when bush walking, or out in a ‘tinnie’, fishing. In many cases this portability answers the HF or Sat question. Where portability isn’t an issue an HF radio has some advantages over a satphone, including the ability to have free contact over long distances between vehicles and bases, including the RFDS. There’s also the community spirit enjoyed by HF radio club users, who can communicate with like-minded bush travellers and experienced base station operators. The cost of operating an HF radio is less than using a satphone, provided the user is taking advantage of free and low-cost communications options. However, using an HF radio for phone calls costs around a dollar per minute - about the same as the average satphone call cost. For me, satphone is the answer. Because I’m in the Outback for at least four months every year I decided to buy rather than hire my satphone.

I qualified for the Federal Government’s satphone subsidy and John Booth at processed all the necessary paperwork for me. He’s also been very helpful with setting up the phone – not that it’s difficult - and is only a call away if I have any problems.”