shortwave radio saves airplane.

 

Imagine flying off the coast over a vast ocean when your communications are lost.

Regular weather condition reports, particularly regarding strong headwinds are vital to the successful flight and landing of  an airplane.

 

On July 9, an air ambulance departing Santiago De Chile to collect a patient on Easter Island lost satellite communications more than 1600Km from land.

Out of VHF range and with an inoperative satellite link, the fast thinking pilot tuned the aircraft HF radio to 7100Khz, the net frequency of the Peruvian Refief Chain who had just finished conducting a training exercise.

Fortunately for the pilot, 2 amateur radio operators Guillermo Guerra OA4DTU and Giancario Passalacqua OA4DSN, were still on frequency and able to respond to the aircraft. Together they communicated via HF with the aircraft and by telephone with the Ocean Air Control who have control of aircraft movements in the 32 million square kilometre Pacific Ocean Area off the coast of Chile.

shortwave radio helps distressed airplane

Meanwhile other amateur radio operators rejoined the frequency ready to provide assistance if necessary.

OAC were already in a state of alert since losing communications with the aircraft and as the backup HF communications system at Easter Island was out of service.

After 10 or so phone calls between the amateurs and OAC, providing aircraft position reports and advising weather conditions over a period of 3 hours, VHF communications was established with the control tower on Easter Island, and the aircraft made a successful approach and landing.

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Article written by Tecsun radios Australia from Source: qrznow.com

Shortwave radio, the original and most crucial form of radio communication in our history, and dropped by many countries 20 years ago, is set for a resurgence!

Used heavily during the Cold War, shortwave was vital for communications in isolated areas.

After the war, listenership dwindled and as the equipment aged and the energy bills continued to accrue, one of the first in line for budget cuts was shortwave, with no importance placed on replacing it.

 

Not unlike the song, “Video Killed the Radio Star”, many say that satellites and the internet killed shortwave radio.

 

Really it is a combination of technology and content delivered directly to the savvy FM listener and streamed to the cell phone obsessed user generally at a reduced cost compared to shortwave. 

 

As Shortwave dwindled, radio began being broadcast in FM and DAB modes to radios, devices, and laptops, with thousands of listening options. 

Many new broadcasters began piggybacking on the local popular informative radio stations.

 

This new technology, however, in many countries is not without its issues. At first, it might appear that these are cheaper and more modern options, but slow buffering times, multiplexed DAB+, excessive and expensive cost of data in many countries, as well as a listener’s preference for anonymity has seen a return to shortwave.

 

As mentioned in previous articles the emerging ability to transmit shortwave radio digitally using DRM ( Digital Radio Mondiale) has seen a resurgence in the use of shortwave due to its wide coverage and heavily reduced cost.

 

Specifically China has opted to use DRM Shortwave to provide full coverage to the areas between the large cities.

 

China National Radio broadcasts from five upgraded sites 80 hours a day with seven to eight transmitters sending shortwave DRM to most areas of North China, East China, South China and Southwest China. Russia is also airing DRM in shortwave over huge areas of Siberia.

India is now looking to increase its three DRM shortwave transmitters for further national and international reach. 

 

Several CRN transmitters beam enormous DRM signals into our part of the world daily.

 

Indonesia and Brazil are also said to have expressed interest in adapting their shortwave analog over to DRM for greater coverage. 

 

As mentioned previously Vanuatu, has recently opted for DRM shortwave to save lives in disaster situations by using its integrated emergency warning capability, and a site in the United States has recently started broadcasting in DRM the popular Radio Marti programs toward central and Latin America.

 

As many areas of the world are re-discovering the value of shortwave we may see the resurgence of shortwave being replaced by its new digital form.

 

Are you interested in listening to Shortwave radio? Imagine picking up and decoding radio stations from remote areas of the world? Re connect with the world during this time of isolation.

 

Tecsun Radios Australia has a great range of Shortwave and Digital radios available.

Shop the range here

The future of shortwave

 

The future of Shortwave is looking bright as the BBC Shortwave transmissions service of two decades ago is being revisited.

 

In a time where people are distancing themselves and experiencing isolation. Shortwave may just be what the world needs to unite all cultures!

 

People who enjoy shortwave and for those who are interested in shortwave radio something interesting has emerged from the  High Frequency Co-Ordination Conference (HFCC), a non-governmental association.  

 

Due to the fact that many of the old transmitters needed to be replaced or upgraded a decision to revisit the need for shortwave and consideration to re-launch the BBC shortwave broadcast  service (cut 20 years ago) has been undertaken. Modern technology allows greater coverage and lower operating costs, re-energising the enthusiasm for shortwave broadcasting.

 

Even in this high tech world, there are still so many developing and free world countries relying heavily on Shortwave radio. Not everybody in the world has smart phones, broadband, connected cars or enough disposable income.

 

Shortwave defies cultural, religious and geographical barriers, Shortwave is free and unlike most platforms available it can be consumed anonymously.

For some countries, much of their information and media is censored, so receiving updates through shortwave from neighboring countries can be the only source they can access.

 

Many, especially in North Korea which are rated as the second most censored country in the world, tune in to cross border broadcasts despite serious consequences if caught by the Kim Jong-Un regime.

The BBC Shortwave transmission services used to broadcast to most of the world, over time however, many were cut, limiting broadcasts  to larger audiences in Africa and part of Asia. 

Currently, the major shortwave broadcasters are BBC, Voice of America, All India Radio, China Radio International, Radio Japan, Radio Romania, Radio New Zealand, Radio France International, Radio Taiwan International, KBS Korea and Voice of Turkey and many more.

 

Reinstating the previous BBC Broadcasts would mean the world of shortwave could be enjoyed cross culturally again especially in a time where boarders are closed to each other and people are feeling isolated.

 

 “Shortwave is just short of a miracle, actually. When it is beamed at an angle, it hits the ionosphere. A mirror around the Earth and then it falls like a ball at great distances, beyond the horizon. Thus these transmissions reach listeners over large areas, continents and beyond. Two or three high-power transmitters can potentially cover the entire world.”

                                Ruxandra Obreja ( chairman of Digital Radio Mondiale.)

 

Are you looking for a radio whilst self isolating that is capable or shortwave listening?

Here are our picks.

Tecsun S-8800 High Performance AM/FM Radio.  A true Broadcast Listeners Receiver  designed to provide maximum performance on the AM (MW) bands, allowing listeners to receive fringe AM radio stations with unmatched audio clarity

Tecsun SL-880

Tecsun PL600 World Band Radio provides reception of the shortwave, medium wave, long wave, and FM broadcast bands. The Tecsun PL600 World Band Radio’s PLL synthesised design ensures excellent frequency stability.

Tecsun pl600

To shop the full range of our radios and antennas, click HERE

Radio licence applications soars.

What you need to do to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency including what essentials you will need to pack in your emergency kit.

Its important to have a discussion with your family on what you would do in the event of a fire/ flood or other natural disaster event before the actual event takes place.

Its important to discuss the following.

How will you access emergency alerts and messages and monitor events? 

The best way of receiving event alerts and updates is via radio. ABC broadcasts hourly updates, more if needed in the local area to keep you informed. In many cases Emergency Services will call the radio station directly. Radio is also the failsafe method of receiving these reports when power is cut and networks are down which often happens during natural disasters

Make a list of radio frequencies of the local ABC and Community radio stations, so you know where to listen. You can find our guide here

In an emergency dial 000. Access to 000 is available on all mobile networks regardless of which network you use. Roaming arrangements are in place so you can use any available network.You can even dial 000 on a phone with no SIM.

Download the “Emergency +” app onto your phone. Do this before any emergency and take note of your GPS location. You might need this for emergency services if they have to find you. The Emergency + App wont work without mobile phone coverage.

Tune in to your local radio, local ABC/emergency broadcaster frequency. You may want to consider a solar powered or battery operated radio because power is often the first thing to go in emergency situations.

If you still have internet keep an eye on the BOM app and investigate your local Flood/ natural disaster and fire apps like the Rural Fire Service “Fires Near Me” App.

         

 If you are driving, keep updated on road conditions and closures by checking the NSW Transport “Live Traffic” App. There are similar Apps in most states.

At what point would you leave your home?What will be your sign to leave? It could be smoke or fire in your area, lightning and heavy rain or floodwater approaching your property.

Where will you go? Where is there a meeting place that’s safe and away from the disaster area? It might be a friend or relative’s place, or even a shopping centre. Most regional towns have a designated “safe place”. Most local council or community associations have a designated “Safe Place” for residents to go in an emergency.

Find out where your “Safe Place” is located.

What will you take? What would be your essentials you would like to take with you if you were forced to leave your home

Make sure you have an emergency kit prepared and ready to grab when needed. Unfortunately you don’t need an emergency kit until you really do.

 

PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT.

Pack a backpack with the following supplies and keep it somewhere safe that is easily accessed when needed.

Storing items in airtight plastic containers and sealer bags will help keep your belongings dry and in good condition both while in storage and during the emergency situation.

Here is a list of your essential items to pack.

  • Flashlight
  • Personal medication
  • Bottled water. Allow 2L per person per day minimum.
  • Food, non perishable, as required..
  • Manual can opener
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Candles
  • Cash- if the power is out then the ATMS wont work.
  • Phone “power bank”. Make sure it is changed at all times.
  • Extra batteries for your flashlight
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust masks to help filter contaminated air- P2 masks are best for dust and smoke.
  • Toilet paper, moist towelettes etc for personal sanitation
  • Local maps
  • Sharp knife (penknife)

Repack expired items as needed and re pack/ check your emergency kit every year.

Don’t have an emergency radio yet?

We reccomend the DE13 which features light, alarm, inbuilt Solar Panel and Dynamo hand crank charger that allow you to recharge the internal battery or charge any device by  USB or mini USB including your mobile phone. This is the perfect radio to keep for any emergencies

                                                                                 

To get yours, Click here to be directed to this product in our online store.

 

One of the oldest and trusted services.

In the modern age where internet technology, social media and informational apps reign supreme the Vanuatu Broadcasting Television Corporation (VBTC) is investing AUD$12 million in upgrading its national radio service through its shortwave and medium wave (AM) service.

VBTC chief executive officer, Francis Herman says In Vanuatu many of the villagers do not receive television transmissions and currently only 30% receive radio transmissions. 

Radio Vanuatu is the only viable means of reaching Vanuatu’s rural population.

With the new upgrade that coverage will increase to 100% right across the 80-plus Islands of Vanuatu, connecting the country.

As listed by the United Nations, Vanuatu is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and regularly experiences earthquakes, cyclones and floods.

Information is crucial during these events.

Shortwave radio is an essential complement to Vanuatu’s national radio service due to its far reaching capabilities even when the power, internet or local networks are down.

Technology commentator Peter Marks said “Shortwave comes from over the horizon it will continue to work even when local conditions are difficult like extreme weather that might knock out local FM and AM stations and internet,” 

 

A cost effective way to reach the population of Vanuatu to deliver important messages.

VBTC chief executive officer, Francis Herman says “Radio as you know is cost effective, people can pick it up on their phone, in the villages where television can not reach, radio is the companion for people,” .

“We have general elections in March next year, we are about to head into the cyclone season beginning in November and so its important, it’s crucial that the people of Vanuatu can get access to a reliable and credible broadcaster,” Mr Herman said.

This is why investing in a national shortwave service is even more important than ever even in the modern age.

 

Radio Vanuatu can be found at. 

RADIO FREQUENCY
MEDIUM WAVE1125KHZ
SHORTWAVE3945KHZ (NIGHT TIME)
7260 KHZ (DAY TIME)
FM100 MHZ (VILA & SANTO)
98 MHZ (TANNA & SANTO)

Radio Vanuatu features a morning show with Dorinda Mabon from 5:30am till 9am

Marie-Noelle Kaltak hosts the mid morning show and evenings are hosted by Florence Vanua.

Do you currently listen to Vanuatu radio? We would love to see your listeners report.

Comment on the post below or email to hello@tecsunradios.com.au

Images via Radio Vanuatu website.

In this age of digital radio and streaming via the internet, it can sometimes be difficult to locate your local ABC AM radio station. 

Here is a list of major ABC AM radios stations by area. All frequencies are in kilohertz (kHz) and all are on the medium wave band (MW).

Sydney 702, Melbourne 774, Adelaide 891, Canberra 2CN 666 and 2RN 846, Perth 720, Alice springs 783, Hobart 936, North and Western SA 639, Western QLD 603, Gippsland 828, Northwestern WA 702, Southwesten WA 1044, Kimberleys 675, North Qld 630.

The Full list is available below. Enter the location in the Search bar to locate the stations for that area.

Location Callsign FrequencyBroadcaster Type
Adelaide S.A.5RN729National
5AN891 National
5PB972 National
5RPH1197Community
5DN1323Commercial
5AA1395
Albany W.A.6AL630 National
6VA783 Commercial
Albury N.S.W.2AY1494 Commercial
Albury/Wodonga VIC3RN990Commercial
Alice Springs N.T.8AL783National
8HA900Commercial
Armidale N.S.W.2RN720National
2AD1134
Atherton Q.L.D.4AM558Commercial
4AT720National
Ballarat VIC3BT1314Commercial
Bega N.S.W. 2EC765Commercial
2BA810National
Biloela Q.L.D.4CC666Commercial
Bourke N.S.W.2WEB585Community
Bridgetown W.A.6BY900Commercial
6BR1044National
Brisbane QLD4QR612National
4KQ693Commercial
4RN792National
4PB936National
4BC1116Commercial
4YB1197Community
4RPH1296Community
Broken Hill N.S.W.2BH567Commercial
2NB999National
Broome W.A.6BE675National
Bunbury W.A.6EL621Commercial
6TZ963Commercial
Bundaberg QLD4BU1332Commercial
Burnie TAS7BU558Commercial
Busselton W.A.6BS684National
6PB1152National
6RN1269National
Byrock N.S.W.2BY657National
Cairns QLD4QY801 National
4EL 846 Commercial
Canberra A.C.T2CN 666 National
2RN 846 National
1RPH 1125 Community
2CC 1206 Commercial
1EA1440 National
Carnarvon W.A.6LN666Commercial
6CA 846 National
Charleville QLD4CH603National
4VL 918 Commercial
Charters Towers QLD4GC 828 Commercial
Cloncurry QLD4LM693Commercial
Cobar N.S.W.2DU972Commercial
Coffs Harbour N.S.W.2HC639Commercial
Colac VIC3Cs1134Commercial
Collie W.A.6TZ1134Commercial
Cooma N.S.W.2XL918Commercial
2CP1602National
Corowa N.S.W. 2CO 675National
Cumnock N.S.W.2CR549National
Cunamulla QLD4VL1584Commercial
Dalwallinu W.A.6DL531National
6RN 612National
Darwin N.T.8RN657National
Deniliquin N.S.W.2QN1521Commercial
Derby W.A.6DB873National
Devonport TAS7AD900Commercial
Dubbo N.S.W.2DU1251Commercial
Dysart QLD4HI945Commercial
Eidsvold QLD4QC 855National
Emerald QLD4HI1143Commercial
4QD1548National
Esperance W.A.6SE747Commercial
6ED837national
Exmouth W.A.6XM1188National
Fingal TAS7FG1161National
Fitzroy Crossing WA6FX936Community
Geraldton W.A.6GN828National
Gladstone QLD4CC927Commercial
Glen Innes N.S.W.2GL819National
Gordonvale QLD4EL954Commercial
Goulburn N.S.W.2RN1098National
2GN1368Commercial
Grafton N.S.W.2NR 738 National
2GF 1206 Commercial
Griffith N.S.W.2RG963Commercial
Gunnedah N.S.W2MO1080Commercial
Gympie QLD4GY558Commercial
4GM1566National
Hamilton VIC3HA981Commercial
Hobart TAS7RN585National
7PB747National
7RPH864National
7ZR936National
Horsham VIC3WV594National
3WM1089Commercial
Hughenden QLD4GC765Commercial
4HU1485National
Innisfail QLD4KZ531 Commercial
Inverell N.S.W.2NZ1188Commercial
Jabiru N.T.8JB747National
Julia Creek QLD4JK567National
Kalgoorlie W.A.6GF 648 National
6KG 981 Commercial
Karratha W.A.6KP702National
Katanning W.A.6WB 1071 Commercial
Katherine N.T.8RN639National
8HOT765Commercial
Kempsey N.S.W.2PM531Commercial
2KP 684 National
Kingaroy QLD4SB1071Commercial
Kununurra W.A.6WR693Commercial
6KW819National
Leigh Creek S.A.5LC1602National
Lismore N.S.W.2LM900Commercial
Lithgow N.S.W.2LT 900 Commercial
2LG1395 National
Longreach QLD4QL540National
4LG1098Commercial
Mackay QLD4AA1026Commercial
Manjimup W.A. 6MJ738National
Margaret River W.A.6TZ756 Commercial
Maryborough QLD4FC1161 Commercial
Maryborough VIC3EL1071Commercial
Melbourne VIC3RN 621 National
3AW693Commercial
3LO774National
3CR855 Community
3PB1026National
3AK1116 Commercial
3RPH1179 Community
3EA1224National
3EE1278Commercial
3MP 1377 Commercial
3KND1503Community
Merredin W.A.6MD1098 Commercial
Mildura VIC3Ml1467Commercial
Moranbah QLD4HI 1215 Commercial
Morawa W.A.6BAY1512 Retransmission
Moree N.S.W.2VM1530Commercial
Mossman QLD4MS639National
Mt Gambier S.A.5SE 963 Commercial
5MG1476National
Mt Isa4LM666 Commercial
Mudgee N.S.W.2MG1449Commercial
Murray Bridge S.A.5MU1125Commercial
Murwillumbah N.S.W.2ML720National
2MW972Commercial
Muswellbrook N.S.W.2ML 981 Commercial
2UL1044National
Naracoorte S.A.5PA1161National
Narooma N.S.W.2EC 1584 Commercial
Narrogin W.A.6NA918Commercial
Newcastle N.S.W.2HD1143Commercial
2NC 1233 National
2EA 1413 National
2PB 1458 National
2RN1512National
Newman W.A.6MW567National
Nhulunbuy N.T.8GO990National
Northam W.A.6AM864 Commercial
6AM1215 National
Nowra N.S.W.2RN 603 National
2ST999Commercial
Oakey QLD4AK1242Commercial
Omeo VIC3MT720National
Orange N.S.W.2EL1089Commercial
Pannawonica W.A.6PN567National
Paraburdoo W.A.6PU567 National
Parkes N.S.W.2PK1404Commercial
Perth W.A.6PB585National
6WF720 National
6PR822Commercial
6IX1080Commercial
Pialba QLD4BQ855National
Pt Augusta S.A.5AU1242Commercial
Pt Douglas QLD 4AM1422Commercial
Pt Hedland W.A.6PH603National
Pt Lincoln S.A.5CC765Commercial
5LN1485National
Pt Pirie S.A.5CK639National
5AU1044Commercial
Queenstown TAS7RN630National
Renmark S.A.5RM 801 Commercial
5MV1062National
5RN1305 National
Rockhampton QLD4RK837National
4RO990Commercial
Roma QLD4ZR1476Commercial
Sale VIC3GI828National
3GV1242Commercial
Scottsdale TAS7SD540Commercial
Shepparton VIC3SR1260Commercial
St George QLD4QW711 National
St Helens TAS7SH1584National
Streaky Bay S.A.5SY693National
Swan Hill VIC3SH1332Commercial
Sydney N.S.W.2RN 576 National
2PB 630 National
2BL 702 National
2UE 954 Commercial
2KY 1017 Commercial
2CH 1170 Commercial
2RPH 1224 Community
2SB 1269 Commercial
Tamworth N.S.W.2NU 648 National
2TM1287Commercial
Taree N.S.W. 2TR 756 National
2RE1557Commercial
Tennant Creek N.T.8RN 684 National
Tom Price W.A.6TP567National
Toowoomba QLD4QS747National
4GR864Commercial
Torres Strait QLD4TI 1062National
4MW1260Community
Townsville QLD4QN630National
Tully QLD4KZ693Commercial
Wagga Wagga N.S.W.2WG1152Commercial
Wagin W.A.6WA 558 National
6RN 1296 National
Wangaratta VIC3RN756National
3NE1566Commercial
Warragul VIC3GG531Commercial
Warrnambool VIC3RPH882Community
3WL1602National
Warwick QLD4WK963Commercial
Weipa QLD4WP1044National
Wilcannia N.S.W.2RN1485National
2WA1584National
Wollongong N.S.W.2EA 1035National
2RN1431 National
2EA1485 National
Woomera S.A.5WM1584National
Wyndham W.A.6WH 1017National
2LF1350Commercial

The following radios are ideal for listening to ABC Radio.

 
 

During this past week with the devastating fires that have occurred throughout Australia many people have been left cut off from loved ones with roads being blocked and widespread extreme fire danger.

During natural disasters, conditions can change in a second, a simple thing like a switch in the wind direction can change everything.

Remaining in contact with Safety officials about evacuation or weather updates is crucial

Holiday makers fleeing vast “tourist leave zones” have found themselves stranded without power and water. Whole communities have been forced to flee their homes. 

Here’s our guide on the best ways to communicate during times of emergency including if you have lost power and internet.

This guide relates to use around Australia but also to communicate with people/ family overseas.

By using communication methods both online and offline and educating yourself on options for all situations including loss of power. You can ensure you are prepared at a time you may need it most.

  1. Emergency Radios: We are starting here because unfortunately during major bush fires, people can be in very remote areas and experience power and network outages. Emergency Radio is the only way you will be able to hear crucial safety messages. These compact units are essential to any emergency kit. Battery operated Emergency Radios capable of receiving broadcasts in the AM, FM, and Shortwave frequency bands provide a long range and simple method of keeping up to date with the latest emergency information. Traditional radio broadcasts cover a much wider area than mobile phone towers allowing signals to be received from much further away mitigating against local power and mobile phone outages.
  2. Apps: Downloads of the “Fires near me “App surged to over 750,000 in November when NSW was declared a state of emergency. Being able to open an app and see in real time where the fires were burning and what category they were was extremely helpful to people in fire affected areas and for those with family and friends in fire effected areas.
  3. Text Messages and Text Alerts: During a fire you may receive warnings on your mobile phone. With warnings and instructions on what to do. You however will not receive the message if the network is down or if your phone is switched off.
  4. Phone Calls: Phone lines can become over run during times of emergency, so the advice given is to keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information. emergency services may contact you with a recorded warning for your area. In many emergencies power and communications can be interrupted so Try to conserve the power on your phone by doing the following. Disconnect the phone battery and only plug it in at intervals to avoid draining it. Close all web pages and unnecessary apps. This should ensure you get the most life out of your battery because you just don’t know how long you may be without power.
  5. Social Media: Using Facebook or Instagram allows users to tell their friends and family that they are safe and live report what is happening. Social media has proven to help improve people’s awareness and preparedness for natural disasters.

Additionally, radio is a broadcast medium of communication meaning that many people receive the same message simultaneously so if you miss an update your friends and neighbours in the local area can hear the same message and relay it to you. 

The ABC is the designated Emergency Broadcaster and will provide updates on local AM and FM stations in times of imminent danger. Additionally, the Bureau of Meteorology broadcast two weather services in the Shortwave Radio bands for Australia on the East and West Coasts. Both services broadcast bulletins and warnings on the hour.

In addition to this some radios on the market like the Tecsun DE13 Emergency AM/FM/SW Solar Radio includes some additional features like a Led torch. A red flashing distress Led light designed as a personal locator and distress siren. These compact hand held radios are built for situations where there is no power and utilise both solar and hand cranked power sources.

It’s important to make your own evacuation plan and be prepared for the worst. Natural disasters often occur without much warning so planning before hand will pay off when you need it most.

If you are interested in equipping yourself with an emergency radio, we have some great radios that are small enough to simply click on your belt, right through to larger versions with multiple capabilities. 

Here are some of our most popular emergency radios.

 

Image Via Northern Daily Leader.

 

This week Federal Labor has announced that if elected to Government next year it will provide $2 million in funding for the ABC, specifically to bring back shortwave radio services across some of Australia’s most remote areas.
Read more

In 2017, the shortwave radio airwaves fell silent with the cessation of Australian domestic and international shortwave radio broadcasts. This was the culmination of withdrawing funding from a variety of Australia Government Departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ultimately the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The ABC labeled shortwave radio an antiquated technology and opted instead to reallocate resources and funding to local FM transmissions focused in Papua New Guinea. As a result of this, China promptly and actively moved to fill the Australian Government’s earlier role of broadcasting Shortwave Radio into the Asia Pacific region via the ABC. A large number of the people living in some of the most remote communities of the Pacific Islands actively rely on shortwave radio broadcasts to keep in touch with the world.

Without Shortwave Radio, many individuals are left isolated. The positive impact shortwave radio can have on many individuals in the Asian Pacific region is demonstrated through the example of  Chief Ben Lovo and his family of Bongkil Village on Erromango, Vanuatu, said that “shortwave broadcasts from RNZI during Cyclone Pam, allowed him to warn four villages of the danger and save hundreds of lives.”

Shortwave radio is so effective at providing long range communications because the radio waves bounce off the ionosphere and back down to the ground allowing a single shortwave radio broadcast to be heard thousands of kilometres away from the transmitter. It is because of this that shortwave radio works particularly well distributing signals to the many remote islands throughout the Pacific region, where there is no other means of low cost mass communication.

China, already aware of this and in light of Australia’s withdrawal from shortwave broadcasting, increased their existing broadcasts into the region fully understanding that if shortwave coverage is present, their sphere of influence and subsequent “soft power”would be immediately increased. The notion, that the Chinese immediately adopted the frequencies that the Australian Government, and indeed the ABC cut funding towards, “comes at a time of heightened speculation in Australian media and the commentariat about the motives behind China’s growing influence in the Pacific.”

The growing Chinese interest in the Asia Pacific region has led to the Australian Government,  to conduct a review of the broadcast services available in the region and whether Australia should reintroduce Australian international Shortwave Radio broadcasts.

The Review, will analyse:

  • The coverage and access of existing Australian media services in the Asia Pacific region, including examining whether shortwave radio technology should be used

The review will cover:

  • All media distribution platforms (i.e. Television, radio and online)
  • Commercial, community and publicly funded services and
  • Different types of technologies such as analogue, digital and satellite radio and television services and online services.

Supporters of Shortwave Radio, are encouraged to engage in the review hosted by the Australian Government. Tecsun Radios, as firm believers in the vital service that shortwave provides, believes that this review will act as a catalyst in encouraging Australia, to re-enter the Asian Pacific market in providing the vital service that shortwave allows.

Tecsun, will actively engage in the review process, in the hope that this reinvigorates Australia’s interest in the Pacific region. We firmly believe that shortwave radio through its modern evolution digital radio mondiale (DRM) provide the optimum technology to delivery broadcast style communications to island in the Pacific region.

The review is open until the 3rd of August. You can use the link provided below to add your comments and ‘Have your Say Now’, in regards to re-establishing Australia’s presence in the Asia Pacific region, for shortwave radio broadcasting.

https://www.communications.gov.au/have-your-say/review-australian-broadcasting-services-asia-pacific