Bring back good ol' HAM Radios

The earthquake in Sikkim, India has created a sense of urgency amongst planners and today reintroduction of HAM or amateur radios was emphasised for uninterrupted communication during a post disaster situation.


During a meeting at the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner’s of office here in Shillong the state capital of Meghlaya, India, central government officials, security personnel and experts on urban risk reduction the idea to reintroduce HAM radios was taken up with keen interest.


Most participants felt that communication was vital in a post disaster situation to speed up rescue and relief operations. However, a senior official from the state owned telecom department, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, said that reliance on mobile and landline is fraught with risk.


“The cables might snap in the event of an earthquake or disaster. In such a scenario landline and mobile phones would not work, so Digital Satellite Public Phones are the best options,” the BSNL official, George Matthew, said.


However, another participant, Lt. Col. Sanjoy Banerjee from the Assam Rifles went a step further, stating, such phones might develop technical snags with satellite failure. He therefore suggested that the best way was to take a relook at HAM radios.


“These radios are not just cost effective, but totally free from external cables, depending on free to air radio frequencies. School and college students can be trained as a hobby. Handling the equipments is very easy,” the Army official stated.


HAM radios were lifesavers during the world wars and the only means of fast communication between handlers. It use to operate through Morse code, but now voice can be transmitted. However, with the advent of new technologies, HAM radios have been consigned to mere recreation of radio-enthusiasts. The Ministry of Telecommunication gives licenses after a candidate passes the Amateur Wireless Telegraph Operator's Licensing Examination.


There are various HAM radio clubs across India and also institutes giving training to enthusiasts and cadets of Bharat Scout and Guides to operate these radios. Lt. Col. Banerjee says these “outdated technology” has proved their worth time and again, and as recent as the 2004 Tsunami.


“We need to seriously think of expanding the network of HAM radio enthusiasts because of the simplicity of the technology and cost effectiveness,” he emphasised during the meeting.