The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will introduce changes to its HF radio network in Queensland from Friday, October 1. The changes follow a Telstra decision to terminate the voice grade dedicated lines (VGDL) that have supported the network.

RFDS (Queensland Section) chief executive officer Nino Di Marco said the changes would ensure a commitment to maintaining the service for rural and regional Queensland.

He said the changes would allow people to continue to make contact with the RFDS 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 Di Marco said.

“However, the HF network continues to be an important back up communication system in rural and remote areas and these changes will allow the RFDS to continue to provide the service into the future.”

As of October 1, the best way for HF users to reach the RFDS in the case of an emergency is through the VKS-737 radio network using one of the following Selcall numbers.

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