Estonian amateur radio operators ready to ensure communications in crises
Estonian amateur radio operators say their equipment is ready to transmit important information if regular communication means, such as mobile phones or the internet, fail.
Estonian amateur radio operators gathered for their annual summer camp in Ida-Virumaa, held for the 63rd time. The event brought together about 200 participants from across Estonia and abroad.
Interest in amateur radio is gradually growing, but attracting new members and opening clubs remains a challenge. Arvo Pihl, chairman of the Estonian Amateur Radio Union, noted that the hardest part is finding a suitable leader willing to take responsibility. Some clubs have been opened in connection with the alternative crisis communication movement developing in the region.
The Narva amateur radio club has already signed a memorandum with the city and the crisis headquarters. In case of communication disruptions, radio amateurs can help transmit important information between city services. Radio amateur Pyotr Alexandrov explained that their equipment is always ready to relay, for example, requests for help or other critical information. Some equipment relies on precise time synchronization, which is disrupted by Russian GPS jamming, but the system is backed up and can obtain synchronization from other sources.
