In an age where a wider Range of communication and technology is available to us, we’re all much more connected than ever before.

But with so many options about, sometimes it can be difficult to make the right choice for the situation we're in – especially when travelling into more remote areas. If you’re Heading off the shelf for example, you might ask “why can’t I just use my phone?”

There really is no substitute for having a VHF radio – and here’s why.

Mobile Phones & Satellite Phones

While mobile phone coverage reaches around 95% of Australia, this is mainly only concentrated around metropolitan areas depending on your service provider. You can extend your signal  using a Digital Yacht 4G Connect Pro Internet Access Unit but this will only extend the reach so far, but not as far as a VHF.

And while satellites can provide coverage to most areas of Australia, the costs of making a Satellite Phone call can be high – without the kind of community-based support you’ll get with a VHF radio.

The Range of a vessel-mounted mobile phone with external Antenna is limited depending on distance to the repeater.

27MHz CB Radio

The main use of 27MHz AM CB Radio is Boat to Boat. While you don't need a licence to own or use a 27MHz radio, it's suitable for short Range communication only (line of sight) – typically 10-50km approx maximum, depending on the length of your Antenna and atmospheric conditions.

27MHz is also prone to ‘skip’ where signals may travel many kilometres, and is susceptible to ignition and other interference.

High Frequency SSB Radio

Using frequencies between 2-25MHz, High Frequency radio can offer reliable communications over thousands of kilometres anywhere in Australia – and at no cost.

HF radio is used in the outback for making contact with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing medical treatment if you get into a sticky situation.

UHF Radio

Not to be confused with VHF! As with 27MHz radio, >UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio signals are short range/ Line of sight (range of 10-40km max) and land use only. No licence required.

The radios are generally not waterproof.

Since >UHF CB uses FM on 477MHz, as compared with AM & SSB on 27MHz, the quality of the signals is slightly improved, with less Noise and interference.

VHF Radio

VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio is much better suited for use out on the water as it is monitored by the coast guard and is fitted to all commercial shipping.

So in a case of emergency who are you going to call?

You have a far greater chance of being heard on a VHF radio!

While you don't require a licence to own a VHF, you will need a certificate of proficiency to use it. See your local Coast Guard to enrol in their next Course.

So as you can see, a mobile phone really is no match for a VHF radio when you’re out on an adventure.

To find out how the transmission ranges of a VHF and handheld radio are different, check out our articles VHF Radio Range - How far does it go? or Get the Most out of Your VHF.

For all other enquiries, give us a call on (03) 9403 4800.