Starlink has been a game changer.
I know there’s a lot of debate out there about the positives and negatives of being constantly on line. But for solo women travellers, it’s a godsend. It means you can be in touch when you want to be, where you want to be. And, more importantly, whenever the rugby is on. No, sorry, I meant to say whenever you need to be.
Because communication really is the key to being able to relax and enjoy your travels.
Good communications is as simple as keeping in touch. Letting someone know where you are and where you’re headed so that they don’t worry, and if anything does happen somebody knows where you should be. This applies whether you’re on the road solo, or whether you live alone at home. A regular check means somebody always knows where you are, and, importantly, knows when to start worrying if you don’t check in.
To do that you need the right tools.
Questions I often get asked are:
- Is starlink worth it
- What mobile phone plan is the best?
- Do I need a satellite phone?
- Do I need a UHF?
- How do I get internet on the road?
Like everything, it depends on where you are going and what you’re doing.
Is starlink worth it
Yes. Absolutely, yes. I don’t like giving Elon Musk my money either, but Starlink means wherever I am, no matter how remote, I can always be in contact if I need to. The drawback is that you’re giving Elon Musk your money.
Also, be aware that a starlink modem draws a lot of power. Don’t leave it on overnight. I’ve done this a couple of times and woken up to a fridge that isn’t cold enough.
Mobile phones
Telstra still has the best overall coverage outback, though Optus are getting better. In a few places there is only Optus coverage, though these are very few. To decide what plan is best for you, compare the coverage maps on both the Telstra and Optus websites
Telstra can be expensive, so some people have a cheaper plan for when they’re at home in the city then get a Telstra SIM only when they’re travelling. Some people travel with 2 SIMs and swap them depending where they are and who has coverage.
A drawback to this is that you’re likely to change your phone number when you travel, which can have the unintended consequence of making it more difficult for friends and family to keep in touch.
The phone you use is also important. Make sure it has 4G and 5G capacity and is set up for both.
DRAWBACK : Mobile phone coverage can be patchy once you get away from population centres. Be aware that even though other companies advertise that they use the Telstra network, that doesn’t mean they have access to all of it. Check it out carefully before signing up to a plan.
Satellite phones
I used to travel with a satellite phone, but it’s been superceded by starlink.
If you don’t have starlink a sat phone is your next best option. But it’s only good for making or receiving calls when it’s on and pointed at the sky. And they’re expensive.
UHF
UHF radios are great tools for keeping in touch with other vehicles if you’re driving in convoy, or for scanning other communications on the road. You can get them installed in your car or use hand held. Handheld doesn’t have the range of one that’s installed in the car with a larger antennae.
Remember, they’re open channels, so anybody else near you can hear your conversation and vice versa. Our first trip to the Cape we were travelling through Mossman looking for the bait shop. Doc was on the UHF discussing where it might be with the people travelling with us when an unknown voice chimed in “it’s behind the servo”.
IOn some roads a UHF is essential. If you want to overtake somebody in the dust, or somebody is coming up behind you, communication via UHF saves a lot of problems – sometimes dangerous ones,
There are specific channels you should and should not use, and etiquette you should be aware of. You can get guides to UHF channels from most 4WD or camping shops, or download them from the net. The Caravan & Camping Industries Association of SA has a good one here
DRAWBACK: UHF radios have very limited range, so DO NOT rely on them as your primary emergency communications. There has to be somebody near you AND listening in for them to be effective.
Mobile internet
If you have a mobile phone plan with enough data it should allow you to hotspot your phone to your laptop/tablet so you only need the one plan for both. Starlink will also give you internet coverage where there’s no mobile service.
Social media
No discussion of communications would be complete with a reference to social media. Most of us use it – facebook and Instagram particularly. It lets all our friends know where we are, and facebook groups can be a great source of communications and advice when you’re alone.
If you’re an avid social media user and are going to go out of an internet service area, let people know so that they don’t start worrying if you don’t upload anything for a while.
On the other hand, be wary of using timed uploads – if people see things going on line regularly they might assume everything is ok even if it’s not.
Personal locator beacon (PLB)
A PLB is not strictly a communications tool but I’m often asked by people whether they should have one. I do carry one, and for me it’s an important emergency resource. A PLB can be triggered if you are in a situation where you can’t get any other help – if you’re injured, sick or lost and there is no other way for you to contact anybody or get yourself out. Basically, the PLB, once triggered, sends a signal to specific satellites, which is then bounced down to a mission control centre on earth, and from there sent out to local rescue control centres.
These are for use in absolute emergencies only.
TIP
Having the right tools for the job is essential, but it is even more important that you keep them charged and ready for use at all times. If you do have an emergency it won’t help if your phone battery is flat. You can buy simple charging stations from 4WD, auto, and camping shops.