In Zero Retries newsletter 135, Editor Steve Stroh N8GNJ inaugurated a series of articles about the future of Amateur Radio with one titled Techies, Data Communications, and Experimentation with New Radio Technologies Could “Save” Amateur Radio which starts with:

There’s a lot happening in Amateur Radio, and especially Amateur Radio in the US. Taken at face value, there are a number of trends that are troubling, to the point that some folks seem to consider Amateur Radio a lost cause. While this discussion will at first seem like it’s “Amateur Radio Politics” (which I generally try to avoid in Zero Retries"), these preliminary points are presented in service to Zero Retries’ mission:

… promoting technological innovation that is occurring in Amateur Radio, and Amateur Radio as (literally) a license to experiment with and learn about radio technology. ¹

N8GNJ then presents and discusses these points

• The numbers of Amateur Radio Operators (not just in the US) are declining.
• The influence of the ARRL will inevitably decline as a result of disgust at the Board of Directors infighting and dues (subscription) price increases.
• The use of voice VHF / UHF repeaters are significantly reduced, year to year.
• Emergency Communications has subtly become less of a justification for Amateur Radio. Simultaneously …
  • In the 2020s and beyond, First Responders have more, and more reliable communications options than ever before.
  • Communications infrastructure available to most individuals has become more concentrated and fragile.
• COVID-19 and other factors have impacted many Amateur Radio club meetings and other reasons for Amateur Radio in-person events.
• The potential audience of younger folks to become new Amateur Radio Operators just don’t find “talking to strangers” or “operating on shortwave” to be compelling reasons to become Amateur Radio Operators.

In his final point—The “Solution” for the above? Reimagine Amateur Radio to attract techies—N8GNJ presents some potential solutions.

Read the complete article …

About Zero Retries

Zero Retries is

An independent newsletter promoting technological innovation that is occurring in Amateur Radio, and Amateur Radio as (literally) a license to experiment with and learn about radio technology. Now in its third year of publication, with 1200+ subscribers. ²

An Introduction Issue—Zero Retries 0000—was published on July 9, 2021.

The Zero Retries newsletter is currently published on Substack. In Zero Retries 135 the editor announced his intention to rehost the newsletter on another platform during 2024.

Readers can subscribe to Zero Retries at https://www.zeroretries.org/ or click the “not now” link for the newsletter index.

Editor

Steve Stroh, N8GNJ

Website

https://www.zeroretries.org/