The development of the modern phonetic alphabet for radio communication was developed and refined over the period from 1927 until 1965. Practical experience over both World Wars and subsequent conflicts involving voice radio communications have led to the final version used today, known officially as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
The phonetic alphabet consists of a collection of 26 code words, each representing a single letter of the alphabet. This system was devised and revised to ensure the use of the phonetic alphabet would eliminate any ambiguity during the passing of messages by radio (or telephone), and that the letters and numbers would be easily distinguishable from one another.
Over radio, the names of many letters sound similar, for instance “n” and “m”, “f” and “s” etc. Using the codeword for each letter improves readability in poor radio conditions.
The 26 code words of the phonetic alphabet are:
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, Xray, Yankee, Zulu
Emphasis is placed on the letters shown in capitals.
There are also codewords for numbers, to minimise miscommunication.
Number/Symbol Codeword Pronunciation
These code words are used today by amateur, aviation, marine and both civilian and armed forces.
Imagine being nestled in a remote cabin north of the Arctic Circle, surrounded by the icy expanse, with only the occasional glimpse of the sun. This is the backdrop for a heartfelt review from a seasoned shortwave listener who found comfort and connection through the Degen DE13DSP Emergency AM/FM/SW Solar Radio—our “cheap and cheerful” solution priced at just $52.50.
In this touching letter to the Tecsun Radios Australia Team, our customer shares how this little radio has become a lifeline in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Despite the challenges of Arctic life, this radio—powered by the fleeting Arctic sun—has stood strong, delivering reliable performance where it matters most.
But the story doesn’t end there. Whether in the icy north or the subtropical warmth of Darwin, our customer has experienced firsthand the rugged durability and superior performance of our Tecsun radios. Join us as we delve into this incredible journey of resilience, connection, and the extraordinary reach of a simple radio.
“Dear The Tecsun Radios Australia Team
Greetings from an aged shortwave listener in a cabin north of the Arctic Circle! I’m writing to express my gratitude for the exceptional service I’ve received from your team.
I’ve been enjoying my Degen DE13DSP Emergency AM/FM/SW Solar Radio here in the Arctic, where the occasional sessional sun provides just enough power to keep the battery alive. The radio has been a reliable companion in this remote location.
When I’m back home in the subtropics of Darwin, I use my Tecsun S2000 and Tecsun PL 990 radios, both of which have exceeded my expectations. Your products truly stand up to the elements, whether in the icy north or the warm tropics.
I also wanted to mention how thrilled I was to receive the company T-shirt, which I proudly wear in the photo taken here in the Arctic. It’s a wonderful gesture that I deeply appreciate.
Thank you once again for your outstanding products and service. It’s rare to find such dedication and quality, and I’m grateful for all that you do.”
Radio New Zealand (RNZ) Pacific is embracing the future of shortwave broadcasting with the launch of a cutting-edge 100 kW Ampegon TSW-2100 shortwave transmitter. At a time when many international broadcasters are phasing out their shortwave services, RNZ Pacific is doubling down on this critical communication medium to enhance its reach across the Pacific.
IMAGE: A drone view of the RNZ Pacific shortwave site at Rangitaiki, New Zealand. (Photo courtesy Radio New Zealand.)
The new transmitter, which was officially brought online on August 1, 2024, replaces the ageing “Transmitter 1” that has served the broadcaster since 1989. Located at Rangitaiki, near Taupō in New Zealand’s central North Island, this upgrade is part of a significant NZ$4.4 million (US$2.4 million) investment aimed at bolstering RNZ Pacific’s broadcasting capabilities. The transmitter is equipped to handle both analog and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmissions, ensuring high-quality, resilient communication across the Pacific region.
The inauguration of this new transmitter was marked by a ceremony attended by notable dignitaries, including New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and representatives from several Pacific nations such as Kiribati, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The event was observed both at RNZ House in Wellington and at the Rangitaiki transmitter site, underscoring the importance of this technological advancement.
Reflecting on the significance of shortwave broadcasting, Minister Peters highlighted its enduring relevance. “Shortwave was crucial when the New Zealand Broadcasting Service began in 1948, and it remains indispensable today,” he remarked. “In times of crisis, such as tsunamis or cyclones, shortwave is the most reliable system to ensure communication is maintained.”
RNZ Pacific’s commitment to shortwave broadcasting is particularly vital, given the limited number of countries still providing this service to the region. Following Australia’s decision to discontinue its shortwave transmissions in 2017, only New Zealand and China remain as active providers.
Paul Thompson, RNZ’s Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of shortwave during emergencies, citing the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption as a key example. The disaster severed internet connections in Tonga for several weeks, yet RNZ Pacific’s shortwave broadcasts continued uninterrupted, providing a critical lifeline of information.
Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, RNZ Pacific’s Manager, expressed pride in the broadcaster’s longstanding tradition of sharing unique stories from the Pacific. The new transmitter, she noted, marks the beginning of a new chapter in this legacy.
The incorporation of DRM digital capabilities into the new transmitter is a significant advancement for RNZ Pacific. Ruxandra Obreja, Chair of the DRM Consortium, highlighted how local broadcasters across the Pacific can rebroadcast RNZ Pacific’s digital streams without any loss of audio quality, ensuring that content reaches even the most remote areas with clarity. Currently, 22 broadcast partners in nine Pacific island nations utilise these DRM signals.
Steve White, RNZ’s transmission engineer specialist, praised the smooth installation of the new transmitter, noting that it was completed on time and within budget, without any disruption to RNZ Pacific’s services.
Credit: This article is based on a piece originally published by T. Carter Ross in Radio World magazine.