If so, if you don't mind me asking, what type communications are they using to communicate with the citizens? And what type of communications are the citizens using to communicate with your local government during massive shutdowns and big time disasters?
In my neck of the woods, we have a 911 system with reverse calling so that the phones are used if they are still up and running. The system is being set up for cellular as well, but that is not yet done.
In massive shutdowns and large disasters there are no land line telephone, or cell phones.
If you could specifically address the above. Thanks.
There is no Ham club at our level. The major city is over 100 miles to the north.
I suppose if a EMP weapon was used, it would cut us off from the system, but that is what it would take. If that were the case them we would use direct communications via mouth since no power and no radio comm would be likely for some time. There are one or two Ham operators, but they are not very common here. The one I knew well has passed on and the other moved.
We have a small airport and someone is organizing a Air club. But other that that, we would likely have to build something from scratch.
There is no backup that would survive a EMP anymore than a hamm radio would but they would likely be the first to be repaired and up and running should that occur.
Like I said, there is some integration in areas where it is available in any sort of dependable way. Like clubs and such. We don't have any here in my little city that I am aware of. We did several years back, but no longer.
IMO, government would destroy Ham radio if it extends it's reach because of full integration into the Federal and State systems. The business of amateur radio would be sensitive to excess regulation due to cost and inconvenience. The spectrum needs to remain free to survive, and effort to incorporate it on a non voluntary level would most certainly destroy it.
Romney's comment was correct. We don't need to do that. Hamm radio as a assist, or even a replacement if required, will work just fine as it is.