It is both a hobby and a service – better known as "Ham Radio".
Unlike most hobbies, however, Ham operators are licensed by their
government. In the United States it's the Federal Communications
Commission. The Federal Communications Commission allows amateur
operators many privileges because the hobby is partially based on
service to the general public, and Hams can be relied on to assist
during emergencies. Groups of amateur operators meet annually to
practice handling emergency communications in the field and to compete
against other groups nationwide in performing certain emergency related
tasks. Amateur operators may set up warning and relief networks
during the hurricane and tornado seasons, and handle communication when
telephone lines and cell towers are damaged by disasters.
In order to use an amateur radio, applicants must pass a test, which
varies depending on the country. There are several test levels,
each one granting more privileges to the operator, such as range of
frequencies and antenna power, and special call sign choices. In
the United States the basic license is the Technician license
which is granted after an applicant passes a 35-question written exam
on basic FCC regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory,
with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. The next higher class
of license is the General license,
which is granted after the applicant passes another 35-question written
exam on more advanced radio practices, radio theory, and antenna
theory. The highest class of amatuer license is the Amateur Extra license,
which is granted after the applicant passes a third written exam
consisting of 50 questions on some of the more obscure FCC regulations,
specialized operating practices, advanced electronics theory, and radio
equipment design. Extra Class licensees are authorized by the FCC
to operate on all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Radio Service
and up to 1,500 watts of power.
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