A mobile phone, also called a radiotelephone installation, is specially designed for use in vehicles to maintain contact with a base station and between vehicles. The use of mobile radios is subject to permits issued by the National Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (formerly known as the Telecom Agency and before that the Radio Control Service or RCD). These permits are essential because mobile telephone networks often have a limited size due to the need for direct radio relations between mobile posts and base stations. In general, mobile radios operate on frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands, allowing reliable communication over distances of up to several tens of kilometers.

The history of the mobile radio

The origins of the mobile radio go back to the early 1930s when it was developed primarily for military use. In the Netherlands, mobile radios were also sold to emergency services and companies from the mid-1930s, albeit in limited numbers. At the outbreak of the Second World War, approximately 150 mobile radios were in use in the Netherlands. After the war, the mobile radio became a widespread means of communication.

Using a mobile phone

Mobile telephones are used by public transport companies, police, fire brigade, military police, ambulance, Rijkswaterstaat and other government agencies. In 2005, the Netherlands introduced a new communications system called C2000 that was adopted by the Dutch police, fire brigade, ambulance and military police. Much of the old but still functional equipment was then donated to amateur radio associations.

A mobile radio is a radio installation used in vehicles to communicate with the base station and between different vehicles

UHF and VHF mobile radio

Mobile radios are often indicated as UHF or VHF, which represents the frequencies on which the mobile radio is active. When it says VHF (Very High Frequency), this means that the messages concern frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz and have a wavelength of 1 to 10 meters. With UHF (Ultra High Frequency) this concerns a frequency of 300 to 3000 MHz with a wavelength of 100 to 1000 millimeters.