[TWIAR] "National SOS Radio Network" ready to start

[Greg Williams]

"National SOS Radio Network" ready to start, based on millions of FRS
"Family Radio Service" radios already in use plus 675,000 ham radio
operators across America. 

  "National SOS Radio Network" provides instant, reliable, emergency
communications for everyone. Designed to eliminate communication breakdown
as occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Ready to go into
operation immediately across America.

HARTFORD, CT (PRWEB) Oct 6, 2005 - In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,
it's become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of
life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once
electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable
to let rescuers know of their dire situations -- and died as a result.

What could be a simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution?

"Establish a National SOS Radio Network (www.NationalSOS.com)," says Eric
Knight, CEO of UP Aerospace, Inc. (www.upaerospace.com). "There are millions
of 'Family Radio Service' or 'FRS' radios already in use by the public for
camping, boating, and hiking, and there are 675,000 licensed ham radio
operators in America -- people renown and prepared for emergency
communications. The output frequencies of FRS radios are easily received by
the radio gear ham radio operators use daily. That's the magic link in this
emergency communication strategy."

Knight went on to say, "The best part of a National SOS Radio Network is
that it wouldn't require new laws or any new legislation whatsoever. It
could go into effect, today. Once the ham radio community is made aware to
listen for the public's emergency broadcasts on an FRS frequency, the
national network will be up and running. It's as simple as that."

Knight has been a ham radio operator (KB1EHE) for over 30 years. To help
spread the word about his idea to fellow hams, he said he plans to approach
the Amateur Radio Relay League ("ARRL", www.arrl.org), the national
membership association for amateur radio operators. Knight said, "The ARRL
is a wonderful organization. They knit the ham radio community into a
network that fosters education, technology experimentation, and emergency
preparedness and assistance. With a positive word from the ARRL, the
National SOS Radio Network could spring to life immediately."

FRS radios don't require an operator license, can be used by anyone of any
age, and are available for as little as $14 at all large retailers, such as
WalMart (www.walmart.com). FRS radios can broadcast 2 to 8 miles, depending
on terrain. And there are ham radio operators in nearly every community in
America. (To see how many ham radio operators are in any city or town, visit
www.qrz.com/i/names.html and type in a zip code.) 

According to Knight's proposed National SOS Radio Network plan, ham radio
operators would rapidly relay the public's emergency needs to local and
state authorities -- such as police and fire departments -- as well as to
national rescue and relief agencies. As a natural extension of the National
SOS Radio Network, all elements of government could also incorporate FRS
radios into their communications systems -- for direct, immediate links to
the public's emergency situations.

"In times of public crisis, the basic recommendation is for citizens to set
their FRS radios on Channel 1 and transmit their emergency needs, and for
ham radio operators to tune their receivers to 462.5625 MHz, the frequency
that corresponds to FRS Channel 1," said Knight. "Specific operational
details will evolve as the National SOS Radio Network gains awareness. To
get the ball rolling, we've posted some operational ideas on a Web site we
created: www.NationalSOS.com. We look forward to the ARRL's ideas and
feedback, too." 

"With the simple addition of a low-cost FRS radio to an emergency
preparedness kit, a family in distress could literally reach out to the
world -- and get the help they need," said Knight. "I can't imagine a more
powerful tool that could save so many lives."

"The National SOS Radio Network blends very well with the overall mission of
UP Aerospace," Knight added. "It's all about broader public access for a
variety of services. We pride ourselves on providing low-cost access to
space -- particularly for the nation's college and university students.
Likewise, through the National SOS Radio Network, the public can have
immediate, life-saving access to emergency and rescue resources. It's truly
a public service. We're not looking to profit from it. It feels great to
play a role at the grassroots level of America's communities."


Gregory S. Williams
k4hsm at lock-net.com