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Emergency communications for wilderness, outdoor and adventure activities including mobile and satellite phones, EPRIBs, distress beacons and UHF radios
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    Emergency Communications

The use of electronic communications devices in the outdoors has increased exponentially in recent years. Here we compare the characteristics of mobile telephones, satellite phones, EPIRBs, and UHF radios, for emergency communications in wilderness situations where you are trying to contact outside help.

Mobile Phone Satellite Phone EPIRB UHF Radio
Coverage Requires phone tower within range Global Within 3000km of a ground station Line-of-sight to another radio or repeater
Range Global (if reception permits) Global N/A 1-10km#
Upfront cost $750* $1000* $300 $80-$400
Weight ~150g ~500g ~300g 100-500g
Battery life in operation Several hours talk time^ Several hours talk time^ >48 hours ~12 hours
Battery Type Rechargeable Rechargeable Long-life internal battery AA, AAA, or rechargeable
Advantages Allows specific messages (eg: 'I have a broken leg'), many people have one anyway Allows specific messages, global coverage Semi-global coverage for relatively light weight, can be hired Allows specific messages, could also be used for intra-group communications
Disadvantages Limited coverage in wilderness areas Heavy, expensive, hard to get Does not allow specific messages, no cancel facility Extremely short range
* often paid over a fixed-term contract
# depends on power output and topographic conditions
^ assuming switched off when not in use



    There are penalties for misuse of EPIRBs.


    Over-reliance on electronic devices is a potential cause of problems for a party which does not have the equipment and skills to do without that device. An obvious example of this is a party which sets off with a map and GPS but no compass or spare batteries. You should never rely solely on electronic devices if the safety of your party could be compromised by the failure of the device to work properly.


More information
Australian Maritime Safety Authority This site contains information on EPIRB satellite distress beacons
COSPAS-SARSAT Largely technical site for the International Maritime Safety Organisation, which runs the EPIRB satellite distress system
Telstra Telstra offers a satellite telephone service
Australian Communications Authority The consumer information sheets provide a wealth of information about the licence conditions for UHF radios, and information about other kinds of radios which might be helpful to you.

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