HAMNET REPORT - May 31

HAMNET is a voluntary group of South African radio amateurs who make their unique communication skills available to assist and help others in distress during and after disasters.
HAMNET is represented on the sub-committee of the South African Search & Rescue Organisation, and is also affiliated to IRESC.

For the amateur radio operator involved with emergency communication, getting the message through is important – whether it be via radio, digital means, satellite pictures or the internet broadband. 

World governments embraced the Information Technology and Communications report released by the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva on the 11th of May this year. 

This report reveals that some 84 percent of the world’s economies have fulfilled the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) target of putting a national information and communication (ICT) strategy in place by 2010.  At least another 7 percent are in the process of developing such a strategy.

This works hand in hand with the announcement of the establishment of a top level Broadband Commission for Digital Development which will define strategies for accelerating broadband rollout worldwide and examine applications that could see broadband networks improve the delivery of a huge range of social services. 

From an amateur radio point of view, and with the sun spot count still very low, a lot more use is being made of communications via the Internet – especially through dedicated channels like E-QSO, Echolink, Skype and a host of other means of communication. The Internet’s vast network around the Globe has often offered an excellent alternative when conditions are not conducive to normal radio means of communication.  In most cases, short distance communication can still cope under current conditions but longer distances are currently a bit of a challenge!

The introduction of at least 5 new Internet cables to South Africa of the next few years is going to revolutionise all aspects of communication via the various networks. One service provider in South Africa is on the threshold of announcing a new faster and much improved ADSL network within the next few weeks which will make the old desk top modem look like something that came out of the stone ages! 

From a Hamnet point of view, we look forward to not only making good use of this improved facility but it can also assist with creating more Gateway’s whereby radio technology combined with internet technology will greatly improve communication facilities especially during and after disasters – not only locally but also internationally

Francois Botha – ZS6BUU.

Hamnet website
The South African Radio League