Ham Radio

Ham Radio, also known as Amateur Radio, is used by people from all around the globe. Amateur Radio allows "Hams" to communicate with each other effectively. Where the term "Ham" comes from is unknown. However, many especulations exist despite the few people who actually care about the word's origins. Today, more than three million people proudly call themselves "Hams".

In the United States, the government encourages the use of Amateur Radio. All that is needed for one to use a Ham Radio is a license which can be issued with six dollars and a quick test to ensure one's expertize.

One very important rule issued by the government states that Hams may not use Amateur Radio for commercial purposes. This means that broadcasting music or other "General Entertainment" or informative material to a broad audience with any monetary purpose is prohibited. This rarely happens because Ham Radio is usually a two-way communication only - though third parties may easily intercept the signal if desired.

Ham Radio can be viewed as a long-range walkie talkie. The main advantage of the former is its ability to communicate with someone in the opposite side of the world.