When you’re out travelling the country, a new suspension or the latest fridge for your caravan might make you comfortable, but they wont save your life! Australia can be unpredictable, but prioritising communications can make all the difference in a sticky situation!

Be in the know about your communication options before you hit the road.

4 Ways to Stay Connected

Satellite Phone

Satellite Communication

When it comes to satellite communication, there are many options available! Some popular ones include:

  • Thuraya SatSleeve/Hotspot: These devices allow you to use your regular mobile phone over the satellite network! Although speeds are slower than regular mobile networks, you are able to make calls, send texts, and even use the internet.
  • Iridium 9555: This is one of the most popular satellite phones on the market, and for good reason! This is a sturdy phone with an internally stowed antenna, and easy-to-use features. Electric Bug is also a licensed Pivotel dealer, meaning we can set you up with a phone plan as well.
  • Satellite Phone Hire: If you don’t travel often, or just dont want the hassle of paying for a phone plan every month, Electric Bug offers an affordable hire service! These phones come already connected to the Pivotel network, so you are ready to go as soon as you leave the store.

A UHF is essential safety equipment for anyone travelling on Australian highways. These devices allow communication between other cars in your convoy, travellers, truck drivers, emergency services, and any other UHF users. Use them to keep track of those you are travelling with, and stay informed of potential hazards on the road ahead.

There are many options on the market, from affordable options such as the Midland PRO902 and Icom’s IC-410PRO, to the industry-leading GME XRS-370C, with customisable buttons, OLED screen and app control.

UHF Radios

Handheld GPS

GPS

When travelling to unfamiliar locations, an in-car or handheld GPS can be an invaluable addition to your equipment. Electric Bug stocks Garmin products, which we have found to be the most reliable, easy to use GPS products on the market. When purchasing a GPS, it is important to ensure it has preloaded maps. This means when you travel out of mobile coverage, you will still have directions! Garmin offers lifetime map updates for the region in which the device is bought, meaning you will always have accurate directions. Be aware that sometimes devices bought online can be programmed to a different region, meaning you will have to purchase costly map updates!

Many in-car GPS, such as the Overlander offer spoken directions and voice control, allowing you to focus your attention on the road. Some handheld GPS such as the Garmin Montana also offer satellite messaging and SOS, a valuable added safety measure if you are travelling to remote areas.

If you are travelling to an area with very weak mobile signal, a cellular booster such as the Cel-Fi GO Mobile can boost your signal to full bars in most cases! These devices dramatically increase data speeds and voice quality. These are the only boosters approved for use in Australia, so beware illegal options that can be found on the internet! Additionally, being IP54 rated weather resistant means they can be installed on almost any vehicle. Electric Bug stocks boosters for both Telstra and Optus, as well as packs complete with an RFI antenna.

Telstra Cel Fi Go

Cellular Boosters