TORONTO – Despite the prevalence of the Internet, amateur radio still has a role to play, especially in times of crisis, according to the Central Toronto Amateur Radio Club (CenTor).
Amateur radio, a.k.a. 'ham radio', is a non-commercial radio service which allows licensed operators to use various types of radio communications equipment to communicate with one another for public service and recreational purposes. Amateur radio operators, often referred to as ‘hams’, are federally licensed by Industry Canada and are allowed to use specially allocated radio frequencies to carry out their operations.
To demonstrate its emergency preparedness, the organization will participate in an annual event called ‘Field Day’ where hams across North America will set up emergency stations in public places to communicate with one another over a 24-hour period this weekend. Open to the public, the event kicks off June 23 at 8:00 am ET and runs through June 24 at 2:00 pm ET.
"Amateur Radio plays a very important role in the communications capabilities of our modern society", said Peter Dale, CenTor president and licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign of VE3EYI. "Not only does it facilitate communications during times of emergency or natural disaster, it is also a lot of fun and a great way to learn about electronics and wireless communications, especially for young people.”
