Don began with a question: What is a Utility Station? He continued by saying that the term utility station is used to describe fixed radio broadcasters disseminating signals that are not intended for reception by the general public.

As radio amateurs we often pass a hill or field with aerials and wonder what they are for and who is using them. We seem to spot them the way a botanist spots rare flowers. It turns out that most fall into the category of either Military (aeronautical), Civilian Aeronautical (commercial), Maritime (commercial) or Signals Intelligence (GCHQ).

First on the list was Croughton Airways, the USAF facility for military air traffic to and from Europe and further afield. The main aerial seen from the road is a receiving type as the transmitter is located far away to stop interference.

Don showed many aerial locations as found on Google Earth, although many are difficult to discern from the aerial photos, the shadows were the main source of info.

Prior to 2003 British services used their own individual comms systems, The RAF had six sites in the UK and the Navy had twelve.  In 2003 the MOD decided to merge all the existing HF comms systems into one. This was to be called the Defence High Frequency Communications Service (DHFCS). The DHFCS became operational in 2008, and uses three pairs of transmitter receiver sites

With regard to Maritime services, the Coastguard established NAVTEX to broadcast weather warnings covering 270 miles of sea. as well as other facilities for Maritime use. More photos of the aerials used were shown. Don said for the time being other weather reports are broadcast on MF from six sites around the UK.