VKS737

VKS737

The VKS-737 Radio Network is a division of the Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc. a national Public Benevolent Institution established "for the relief of sickness, suffering, helplessness, destitution and misfortune to a disadvantaged section of the community, being all 'outback" travellers who are in distress by providing them with emergency assistance and support in co-operation with other organisations".

The VKS-737 Network provides services in conjunction with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and State Emergency Service organisations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 19 Base Stations strategically located around Australia.

Subscribers can make unlimited free calls to emergency services and can also receive messages from family and friends at no extra cost.

Founded in 1992, the network's primary role is to provide reliable and effective radio communication opportunities for remote area travelers, on the road, at sea, or in the air. Nineteen base stations strategically located around Australia run daily scheduled sessions for contact with subscribers. These 'skeds', and a comprehensive messaging system are provided by a team of volunteer staff members. A number of salaried staff and other volunteers carry out administrative duties at a Head Office, in South Australia.

HF-Tel Services

HF-Tel is a division of the Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc. providing Radio-Telephone services exclusively for VKS-737 subscribers.

HF-Tel provides low cost direct-dial telephone calls to any fixed or mobile number within Australia for subscribers with suitable equipped radios. For those subscribers with basic selcall equipped radios there is also a service available to allow connection to a single preset telephone number.

All network activity involving both bases and subscribers is subject to formal licensing by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).