Sunday, Sep 05, 2010 at 13:53
Stephen,
I just copied it across for you :)
MEDIA RELEASE 1 September 2010
RFDS to introduces changes to
HF radio network
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will introduce changes to its
HF radio
network in Western Australia from Friday, October 1.
RFDS Western Operations’ chief executive officer Tim
Shackleton said the changes
highlighted a commitment to ensuring the service was maintained for regional and
rural WA.
He said the changes would allow people to continue to make direct contact with the
RFDS operations centre in the case of an emergency via
HF radio.
“In recent years, fewer people have used the
HF radio network as technologies such
as satellite and mobile phones have become more readily available for people in
remote areas,” Mr
Shackleton said.
“However, the HF network continues to be an important back up communication
system in country WA and these changes will allow the RFDS to continue to provide
the service into the future.”
As of October 1, HF users will be able to reach the RFDS in the case of an
emergency by using the VKS-737 radio network and one of the following Selcall
numbers.
Radio Base State Selcall No.
Adelaide (Primary) SA 0611
Adelaide (Secondary) SA 9611
Alice Springs (Primary) NT 0811
Alice Springs (Secondary) NT 9711
Cairns QLD 7711
Carnarvon WA TBA
Charters Towers (Primary) QLD 8011
Charters Towers (Secondary) QLD 9511
Darwin NT 9411
Derby WA 9211
Meekatharra WA TBA
Newcastle NSW 6811
Perth WA 0511
Port Hedland WA TBA
St Marys TAS 0711
Swan Hill VIC 8911
Anyone who does not have Selcall technology on their handsets can broadcast their
emergency on the VKS-737 network and their situation will be relayed to the RFDS.
The Emergency Call Detect (ECD) system on HF frequencies 2280, 2656, 2792,
4010, 4030, 4045, 5300, 5360, 6825, 6880, 6890 and 6960 KHz will no longer be
monitored by the RFDS.
However, the RFDS has established a formal agreement with VKS-737 for any
emergency messages broadcast over the
HF radio network to be passed on to the
RFDS.
The changes follow a Telstra decision to terminate the voice grade dedicated lines
(VGDL) that supported the network.
Mr
Shackleton said the RFDS had researched ways of maintaining the service
without the use of the VGDL and said the changes would secure the network’s future.
“This is an important service that must be maintained and we are pleased to be able
to provide a way of keeping the HF network alive and
well in Western Australia,” he
said.
Anyone who requires advice in relation to the changes to the HF network are urged
to call RFDS I.C.T. Manager Matt Turany on 08 9417 6300 or contact VKS-737 on 08
8287 6222.
ENDS
RFDS Media Contact:
Joeley Pettit-Scott
Media and Public Relations Manager
Mobile: 0438 941 058
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