Is there a future in CB or two-way radio?

If you came of age in the 1970s, you would well recall a CB radio and trucker craze that inspired countless movies and TV shows, like B.J. and the Bear, the Clint Eastwood classic Every Which Way but Loose, Smokey and the Bandit and Convoy (the latter coming with its own eponymous hit song).

Younger readers might rightly think “But… why?”, with the answer being this: in the ’70s, two-way CB (“Citizens’ Band”) radio seemed like the future, a way to communicate with others over short distances minus a phone line (cool CB code-speak like “Breaker breaker” and “10-4, good buddy” also helped).

In 2022, where mobile phones have become just another piece of ubiquitous technology we take for granted, as well as the easiest way for people to communicate with others over short and long distances, the question needs to be asked: after being legalised in Australia 45 years ago, do CB radios still have a place here?

The answer, quite simply, is a definite “yes”, and there are a few convincing reasons why.

It’s no understatement to say that Australia is absolutely massive, and as advanced as mobile phone technology is, there are still remote parts of our country where mobile coverage is spotty and, in some cases, non-existent. UHF (ultra-high frequency) CB radio may still only allow short-distance communication of between 4.8km to 32km (depending on terrain and the quality/height of your antenna) but it’s still enough for long-haul fleet truck drivers, four-wheel-drivers, caravaners and other travellers exploring the outback who need the latest weather info, or help in an emergency.

Using public-access CB radio is absolutely free, which automatically makes it ideal for anyone worried about a ballooning mobile phone bill. The initial outlay to use it isn’t particularly expensive either, especially when compared to mobile phones and associated payment plans. Cheap, compact CB radios can be as little as $25, mid-range units a couple of hundred dollars and high-end units $500 and up. Pleasingly, once you’ve bought the unit there are no further expenses involved (unless you’re fined for using the wrong channel, but we’ll get to that later).

Like crude stereo systems and mobile phones of yore, older models of CB radios were overly bulky, expensive and didn’t exactly have the greatest sound quality. Much like those devices, however, modern CB radios have come along in leaps and bounds and are now more compact (pocket-sized options are available), come equipped with longer-life batteries, have a better range in terms of broadcasting distance, and boast an overall better sound quality.

Holding or using a mobile phone and/or interacting with its touchscreen while driving is illegal for a very good reason - it’s distracting and potentially very dangerous. CB radios on the other hand are extremely user-friendly and easy to use, allowing you to contact others instantly with the simple push of a button, making it a far more operable piece of equipment than, say, the latest iPhone. There’s also no risk of losing service, receiving a busy signal or having no-one picking up on the other end.

CB radios aren’t dependent on busy mobile networks, making them a far more reliable source of communication, especially in emergency situations. There are two channels legislated by the Australia government for emergencies (5 and 35), with strong fines and even jail time waiting for people who misuse these channels.

Travelling in remote areas by truck, van, car or four-wheel drive can get monotonous at the best of times, so it’s good to know a collegial community of CB users is only a click and a “10-4, good buddy” away. There are also CB channels reserved for various groups, including 4WD clubs or convoys (channel 10), caravan owners/campers (channel 18) and even a road safety channel for the Pacific Highway and Pacific Motorway (channel 29).

All things considered, it seems CB radios may still live to meet another generation.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}