ARRL Board Adopts Traffic System Resolution

Post date: Feb 1, 2019 12:39:47 AM

Today, the American Radio Relay League released its formal minutes of ARRL Board of Directors Annual Meeting January 18-19, 2019. As always they can be found online at http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings.

We draw attention to two points as related to the handling of third party traffic on amateur radio.

The first refers to discussion led by our own Great Lakes Division Director Dale Williams WA8EFK.

24. Mr. Williams opened the discussion on the work of the Public Service Enhancement Working Group and entertained questions. He updated the Board on how the committee had incorporated comments gathered from last fall’s survey into the report. After finishing the ARES portion of this area, they will move to work on the National Traffic System.

The second refers to both Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System. Roanoke Division Director George “Bud” Hippisley, W2RU moved, and our Mr. Williams seconded.

36. On the motion of Mr. Hippisley and second of Mr. Williams, it was voted that:

Whereas the National Traffic System (NTS) is active 365 days a year; and

Whereas the NTS provides a large corps of operators experienced in formal 3rd party message handling and routing procedures and dedicated to providing emergency communications via radio; and

Whereas the NTS uses all modes – including “traditional”, digital, and yet-to-be developed modes – as appropriate and needed;

Therefore, be it resolved that:

1. The PSWEG is commended for their work in bringing the ARES Plan this far.

2. The ARRL affirms its support for the National Traffic System and all amateurs involved in traffic handling, and their role as partners to ARES in ARRL’s public service toolkit.

3. The Board recognizes the role and value of ARES and NTS in directly serving the public in addition to partnering with served agencies.

COTN is a part of the Ohio Section of the National Traffic System and welcomes proper attention given to third-party traffic handling by the League. As a net also affiliated with Radio Relay International (RRI), we are anxious to see amateur radio organizations working together to develop, train, and hold to a single standard.