These can be located on a hill or high building and can greatly increase the area served by VHF transceivers. This is because there can be line of sight from each station to the elevated repeater even though stations are not visible to each other. Therefore it may be possible for all stations within a 80 kms. radius of the repeater to communicate with each other. VHF systems often operate in the 70 and 150 MHz region. The operational requirements for a VHF radio network should be specified with the help of a radio engineer who would then produce a plan and a list of appropriate equipment to satisfy your needs. 4.3.3. Amateur Radio The facilities provided by the amateur radio service should not be confused with CB or privately licensed networks. Amateur frequencies are allocated on an international basis and range from 1.8 MHz to 10,000 MHz and enables global communication including the use of satellites. All types of communication are possible including normal speech, television, teletype and computer talking to computer. However as the name suggests the facilities are intended for the amateur enthusiast and not for commercial organisations. The restrictions on what communication can be performed by amateur radio varies from country to country. Most countries expect the amateur to pass certain examinations before a licence is issued and some will only permit the licence holder himself to speak on the radio. Others will allow anyone to speak under the supervision of the licence holder. Also others e.g. USA, will allow the amateur to connect his amateur friend from another country into the telephone system via the radio so enabling him to speak to non-amateurs. Unfortunately in UK for example this is never permitted. Amateurs are also expected to cooperate with the International Red Cross and Government departments during disaster and relief operations. The facilities of the amateur service are many and varied and are also continually increasing therefore you should enquire if the amateur service is relevant to your situation and if so encourage some of your personnel to obtain an amateur licence. Many expatriates use amateur radio for a daily or weekly talk with their friends in their home country. However it should be noted that some countries put many restrictions on amateurs, others make it difficult to obtain licences while a few ban amateur radio completely.
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