Most of its global, regional, national, and local voice and data networks are independent of vulnerable infrastructures. Its skilled operators - many of them with special training in emergency communications - support disaster response world-wide. Telecommunications are the Logistics of Information exchange The Amateur Radio Service is a valuable asset in Emergency and Disaster Response Hans Zimmermann, IARU International Coordinator for Emergency Communications and former United Nations Disaster Communications Coordinator

The Amateur Radio Service is - a global telecommunication service recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), - operated by more than 2 Million volunteers world wide, - the most flexible telecommunication service, operating in all available communication modes, including - Voice (FM, SSB and digital) - Data (Morse code, teletype, internet protocol) - Images (still, SSTV, TV). 2

The Amateur Radio Service provides - flexible global, regional and local Networks, which are - independent of vulnerable infrastructures and - immune against overload, - own telecommunications links, - interfaces to other, public and non-public comunication networks, - support to networks of institutional emergency responders. 3

The Amateur Radio Service has - a long tradition in emergency telecommunications, - most recently provided services during major disasters such as - The Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, - Hurricanes Katarina and Rita in 2005, - Tornadoes, Floods, Train accidents, Earthquakes, - own established training programs providing - Initial training and - continuous education, - the privilege to self-administer its allocated spectrum resources. 4

The Amateur Radio Service trains its operators for emergency telecommunications: - in courses held by national IARU member societies and - using training material provided by IARU and ITU. 5

The Amateur Radio Service provides operators, who - have proven their qualification in exams administered - by national authorities - under international regulations, - know how to - establish telecommunications with minimal resources, - make things work under adverse conditions, - overcome difficulties such as damages to equipment and infrastructures. 6

The Amateur Radio Service stands ready to - provide emergency communication links - where no other telecommunication services are available, - where and when othere means of telecommunications have failed, - support other telecommunication services when - emergency responders need additional skilled personnel, - responders’ own means of telecommunication fail. 7

For more information about the Amateur Radio Service please visit: and the web sites of the national member societies of the IARU, links at 8