 |
Ham Radio: The Last Line of Communication in Political Disasters
In today’s hyper-connected world, we often take for granted that our smartphones, social media, and broadband internet will always be there. Yet, beneath the sleek surface of these technologies lies a stark reality: our national communications infrastructure is deeply vulnerable, with over a million cyber attacks per day, and worldwide political instability only magnifies these risks.
The Fragility of Modern Communication Networks
Modern communications depend on layers of infrastructure:
- Cellular towers and backhaul networks
- Internet Service Providers’ data routes and DNS
- Fiber-optic cables, many crossing oceans or borders
- Satellite systems, operated by private and government agencies
In peacetime, we worry about cyberattacks, accidental cable cuts, or regional power failures. But during political disasters – such as widespread civil unrest, sudden regime changes, or international conflict – these networks can be intentionally disabled, censored, or destroyed. Governments can block internet access to control information, militias can cut power grids, and satellite uplinks are jammed or shut down for strategic advantage.
Historical and Modern Examples
- Hurricane Harvey Flooding (2017): August 25 – September 1, the heavy rainfall from Hurricane Harvey caused widespread flooding in Texas, according to Americares.
- Hurricane Katrina Flooding (2005): August 23-31, the storm surge and heavy rainfall from Hurricane Katrina caused significant flooding in New Orleans and surrounding areas.
- In Myanmar (2021), Internet and cellular networks were shut down to suppress the protests.
- During Ukraine’s conflict, targeted strikes on communication nodes aimed to paralyze command and public morale.
- Sudan (2023) saw frequent blackouts of mobile and internet networks, isolating communities.
Power Generator with Fuel, Solar Power Are In Limited Supply
Not everyone has access to these power sources. However, amateur radio operators who are serious about their craft and have been involved in practice drills, where they exchange messages within the community and nationally, are well-prepared.
Many citizens rely on their cellphones, but when those networks are overwhelmed, they will be almost unusable, even for texting.
With no Internet access, cellphones become almost useless. This also goes for satellite telephones. They run on battery power and their batteries will last almost as long as a cellphone. However, these satellite systems will prioritize users who are first responders or have been authorized to use their phone for this priority access.
Why Amateur Radio Remains Resilient
Unlike these centralized systems, ham radio is inherently decentralized. Operators use:
- Their own radios, antennas, and power sources
- Frequencies allocated internationally and governed by treaty.
- Peer-to-peer communications are independent of commercial or government infrastructure
A simple HF transceiver and a wire antenna strung between two trees can communicate across continents without the need for towers, satellites, or fiber optics. While modern systems optimize efficiency, ham radio optimizes survivability.
Ham Radio During Political Disasters
In times of political upheaval:
- Official channels become monitored or blocked. Ham radio enables direct communication, often using coded or digital transmissions, that can transcend regional restrictions. The frequencies used for ham radio communications are not fixed; they vary depending on factors such as propagation conditions, frequency crowding, and the time of day.
- Phone networks overload or shut down. Ham radio frequencies remain open to licensed operators who possess the proper technical skills.
- Infrastructure sabotage cripples the internet. HF communications require no external backbone – just a functioning rig and operator.
During the Cold War, civil defense agencies relied on amateur radio as a contingency. Today, with increasing political polarization, potential civil disturbances, or international cyber warfare, this role is once again relevant.
Legal and Ethical Realities
Amateur radio is governed by international regulations that prohibit the use of encryption and certain types of transmissions. However, during declared emergencies or national disasters, many governments activate emergency communication protocols allowing broader operational freedom for licensed amateurs to support:
- Emergency services coordination
- Medical supply distribution
- Refugee and family reunification information
- Critical status reports to international agencies
The Community Factor
Beyond technology, ham radio’s true strength is its people. Operators are trained in:
- Rapid antenna deployment
- Alternative power sources (batteries, solar, vehicle power)
- Long-distance HF propagation prediction
- Digital modes such as Winlink, JS8Call, or PSK31 for efficient text data under poor conditions
No government agency, internet provider, or telecom can match this community’s diversity, improvisation, and readiness when normal channels fail.
The Call to Action
Political disasters remind us that resilient communication is not a luxury – it is a national security necessity. Ham radio remains:
- The real fallback when infrastructure fails
- The last link between communities when everything else goes dark
- A critical public service deserving renewed support, education, and licensing outreach
In an era where misinformation, censorship, and digital sabotage are weapons, amateur radio is the unbreakable bridge connecting humanity under any circumstance.
“When all else fails, Amateur Radio works.”
This phrase is not just a slogan – it is a proven truth from decades of silent service. In the shadows of political disasters, ham radio operators are the unsung heroes keeping the world connected, one signal at a time.
This article was written by Eric Werny, WB6MTK, a lifelong amateur radio operator dedicated to advancing communications innovation and national resilience. Eric’s passion is bridging the legacy strengths of ham radio with emerging technologies to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and ensure robust communications for public safety, defense, and global connectivity.
© 2025 WB6MTK – All Rights Reserved