Can Ham Radio Help Taiwan Survive?

/

In Taiwan, a nonprofit civil defence group, Ganghu, has started training people on how to communicate using amateur radio, also known as ham radio, if the internet is unavailable. This comes as Beijing, which claims democratically self-governed Taiwan as its own territory, faces allegations of sabotaging and damaging Taiwan’s undersea internet cables.

Taiwan currently relies on 15 international and 10 domestic communication cables to carry more than 90% of its internet traffic. Without these, the island could be cut off from the outside world, and even internal communications would likely collapse.

These internet cables, often described as the island's "digital lifelines," are damaged an average of seven to eight times a year, according to a 2025 report by Taiwan's National Security Bureau. 

As authorities scramble to protect cables and build satellite-based backup systems, some citizens are turning to amateur radio as a solution.

Important changes to the RSGB QSL Service

/

The RSGB is pleased to announce the next stage in developing its QSL Bureau Services following the retirement of the RSGB QSL Bureau Manager Richard Constantine, G3UGF.

After a comprehensive review of long-term options, the Society has entered into a formal Contractual Agreement with the German National Radio Society, Deutscher Amateur Radio Club, to process all incoming and outgoing RSGB QSL cards.

DARC operates a modern, high-capacity QSL bureau. Its systems already support a number of national societies and offer industrial-scale reliability, digital processing capability and long-term resilience.

This partnership will provide a robust and effective QSL bureau service for RSGB members. Volunteers remain central to the RSGB QSL Bureau Service and the RSGB extends its thanks to all sub-managers, whose dedication forms the backbone of the service.

The new arrangements are designed to support volunteer involvement, not replace it, and to ensure volunteers have a strong infrastructure behind them. The new service preserves the traditional bureau structure but will offer additional options for RSGB members who send cards.

Find out more about these developments on the newly updated QSL Bureau pages - https://www.rsgb.org/qsl

Easing The Way For Blind Hams To Use Digital Modes

/
Easing The Way For Blind Hams To Use Digital Modes

Software builders and tinkerers are being sent a special message from a fellow ham on behalf of radio operators like him who are blind or have low vision, keeping them from enjoying some digital modes.

One of the gifts that Darrell Hilliker, NU7I, has provided to users of contemporary technology is his blog, Blind Access Journal. As an advocate for people who are blind, like Darrell - or perhaps challenged by low vision or obstacles posed by ageing - he has developed his blog to provide resources to developers, decision-makers and other consumers of technology so they can make the modern world more accessible to everyone.

The Arizona radio amateur has now issued a call - a QST in every sense - asking fellow hams to turn their efforts toward making digital mode software such as WSJT-X more accessible too.

Read More