By Ramesh Mathew
Even in the face of massive developments in the telecommunications sector, each minor communication line has its own place, says Timothy Tim Ellam, vice-president of the USA-based International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), a forum representing more than 125 national level ham radio operators.
Ellam is in Qatar to attend the International Telecommunications Development Conference.
“Even now, when disasters and natural calamities occur, the first communication line that comes to most minds is ham radio,” Ellam said.
He was referring to his forum’s contribution to aiding relief in earth-quake affected areas in Pakistan towards the end of 2005.
The IARU official said ham radio is more than just a means of communication during calamities. It is now identified as a basic communication tool.
Ellam ran out of words highlighting the significance of ham equipment which has been installed in a large number of American schools where students are encouraged to communicate with astronauts.
“Ham radio is probably the only communication means for commoners to get in touch with astronauts when they are on duty,” said Ellam.
The IARU official said even though ham radio has only a minor role to play in the modern world, it is far from being ruled out from the communications sector.
“What we are doing at this juncture to remain in contention is imparting direct training to a number of budding enthusiasts,” said Ellam.
Notwithstanding advances in the communication sector, said Ellam, ham radio is patronized by more than 3mn people, of whom at least half are enthusiasts in India and China, he said.
While explaining the features of the modern ham radio, Ellam said user-friendly models, developed recently will go a long way in promoting it as essential utility communication equipment.
“May be, it has little potential when we take into account the impact the internet has made in the last decade, but that doesn’t mean it does not have utility.
“When hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana, the entire communication system in the region came to a standstill, the only communication line that remained undisrupted was ham.”
“Ham enthusiasts did an admirable job during the whole crisis,” Ellam said.
“They were able to run their services only because of training by members of our forum.”
The IARU is now exploring the possibility of making ham a part of the curriculum in selected US states, where Ellam feels there is great interest.
Along with Ellam, Tafa Diop, vice president of AIRU (Region 1) is also attending the ongoing conference.