Hiking is a wonderful activity, but safety is essential. The Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK) has launched its new "50222 SMS Hiker Tracking Service" to help search and rescue of lost hikers. It helps to keep track of hikers' locations when they periodically "report in" via SMS, whenever they encounter Distance Posts (DP) along their trails. If no incident occurs within 3 days, the data will be erased, but in the event of a lost hiker, rescue parties can use the data to improve rescue time and success rate.

 

How It Works

 

Along trails, hikers will encounter various Distance Posts (DP) with their own unique numbers (e.g., the first DP of the MacLehose Trail is "M001").

Hikers SMS 50222 to report Distance Posts numbers (e.g., "M001")

A confirmation message will be returned immediately if a hiker's SMS is received. (e.g., "Message received. Have a safe hike!")

Hikers repeat this procedure at every DP they encounter.

Tracking data will be encrypted and stored, then erased automatically after 3 days if no incident reported.

If a hiker is lost, his family or relatives can report to police for carry out a rescue operation.

Upon receiving rescue parties' request, the 50222 service center will email the tracking data to dedicated contacts. Rescue parties will analyze the DP records to help the rescue operation.

 

 

 

FAQ

 

Is the 50222 SMS Hiker Tracking Service usable by any mobile services user?

This service works with all Hong Kong's five major mobile operators: China Mobile HK, CSL (1010, one2free, New World Mobility), PCCW mobile, SmarTone and 3HK.

Prepaid SIM Card users must inform families and friends of their mobile number(s) otherwise rescue parties cannot identify phone number ownership.

 

Do I need to register for the service? Any services charge?

No prior registration or cost is necessary.

To avoid SMS roaming charges, hiker must ensure the mobile service is connecting with Hong Kong's mobile networks.

 

Can I send the 50222 SMS by using messaging applications via smartphones or other smart devices?

50222 SMS service is only usable with Hong Kong's five major mobile operators SMS network in Phase 1. It is not usable by smartphone applications (e.g. Skype).

50222 smartphone applications will be launched in Phase 2.

 

Any specific content format should be followed?

The system will reply with the correct format and advise a hiker to resend the DP no. again, if a hiker sends the SMS in an incorrect format or includes additional text in the message.

The system will only provide DP numbers and SMS sending times to rescue parties.

 

Who can access my SMS hike tracking records?

Tracking data is encrypted and stored at the CAHK SMS Hiker Tracking Service system, and erased automatically after 3 days if no incident is reported. Upon receiving rescue parties' request, the 50222 service center will email the tracking data to dedicated contacts.

Even family members of lost hikers cannot access the data.

 

If I SMS the wrong DP no., or forget to send SMS for the latest DP, what should I do? Can I SMS the DP nos. all at one time?

 

Simply resend a SMS with the latest and correct DP no. is needed. The system will reply with the correct format and advise hiker to resend the DP no. again, if a hiker sends the SMS in an incorrect format or SMS all DP nos. at one time.

Please send the DP no. ONLY when a hiker arrives at the point.

This SMS hiker tracking service encourages hikers to keep SMS regularly so that their whole hiking route can be tracked. Rescue parties can reference on the information to determine the searching area more accurately.

 

Can I key in other signage details in the SMS if I cannot find the Distance Post (DP)?

This service only recognizes the DP no. in the Country Trail at this moment.

 

I cannot receive the confirmation SMS.

Try to resend the SMS again when you reach a place where the network signal is better available. A confirmation message will be returned immediately if a hiker's SMS is received.

 

 

Media Coverage

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Press Release

For the press release of 50222 SMS Hiker Tracking Service, please click here.

 

 

Leaflet

For the leaflet of 50222 SMS Hiker Tracking Service, please click here.

 

 

Enquiry

Email: smsenquiry@cahk.hk

Tel:     2863 9903