If you are a radio ham (amateur radio), licensing is a lot easier. However, you will only be able to communicate with fellow radio hams, as you may only operate in your own frequency bands which do not overlap with commercial bands. Radio hams may not use their equipment to transmit on commercial bands, and require separate type approved radios and separate licences for these frequencies. Licenced hand-held radios can be used for the above frequencies as well, but unless they are connected to an external antenna, range will be severely limited. They have limited battery life, and an external power source should be considered. They are good enough for general convoy communication if the convoy is short. There is not much of a price difference between these hand-held radios and the mobile (fixed) radios, but they have advantages like enabling you to stay in contact with the campsite when on walks in the surrounding area. Licence-free hand-held radios can also be used, and are much more affordable than the radios mentioned above. Licence-free radios cannot operate on the licenced frequencies and vice versa. Their range is a lot shorter and they are unsuitable for convoy work, unless the vehicles are close to one another, e.g. on slow trails. The radios’ ranges can be extended by connecting them to external antennas. There are many models available; not all have anten-
na connectors for external antennas which might be a consideration when purchasing a radio. These radios are ideal for around-camp and hiking, if that is all you need. Many 4x4 and radio clubs will be happy to assist with detailed questions.
Cell phone
The mobile networks in Namibia are well developed and you will have cell phone coverage in and near most towns and main routes. In Namibia MTC has the most extensive coverage. International mobile phones can be used in Namibia without any problems. Remember the international dialling code (+264) if you want to phone local (Namibian) numbers from your cell phone. It is, however, very expensive to make and receive calls on your cell phone once you crossed the border. As data roaming is even more expensive it is best to switch off the data connection of your smartphone before you cross the border. If you organise with your own service provider to have your phone on SMS roaming, you can send and receive SMS messages but not calls. This will enable you to use your own cell phone number at a much lower cost than if you made and received calls. You will also have all your contacts and should you need data connection for an emergency (like doing internet banking) you can, once you
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