Amateur Radio Operators Lead Island on the Air Expedition from Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh

GG News Bureau
Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, 26th Feb. A dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) embarked on a significant journey from the cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, to participate in the Island on the Air (IOTA) expedition, advocating for last-mile connectivity and promoting disaster preparedness through effective communication.

Setting up five Amateur High Frequency stations and one Amateur Satellite station using locally developed communication equipment, the team showcased India’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the communication sector, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ ethos.

Operating from the disaster-prone village of Nachugunta Island, the HAM operators made approximately 4,000 global contacts with counterparts from countries including the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, and Europe, demonstrating their proficiency in establishing communication links worldwide.

Additionally, the team conducted awareness sessions in local schools and villages, emphasizing the significance of effective communication during crises and integrating HAM education in primary and secondary schools for enhanced disaster response across the country.

Commending the steadfast dedication of the HAM operators, officials from the Wireless Monitoring Station in Vijayawada and the International Monitoring Earth Station in Jalna, Maharashtra, along with a representative from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) headquarters, visited the remote site, acknowledging the efforts as a reflection of India’s excellence in communication technology.

The success of the expedition underscores the technical expertise of the HAM operators and highlights the importance of community engagement and preparedness in vulnerable areas. By contributing to emergency communication resilience, the team has not only showcased India’s capabilities in amateur radio operations but has also demonstrated the power of global connectivity in times of need.

About Amateur Radio (HAM Radio): Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes, engaging enthusiasts in diverse activities such as contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.

About Islands on the Air (IOTA): IOTA is a pioneering program connecting radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands, managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication.

About DX: DXing is the hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio signals or making two-way radio contact with distant stations in amateur radio bands, emphasizing the pursuit of distant communication and global connectivity.