I’ve heard ham radio is dying since as far back as I can remember. It’s one of those common sayings you always hear. Like, “get off my lawn,” and “kids these days.” But is it true? Is there any evidence to support this? Let’s take a closer look.
Ham radio licensees are increasing
Data from the ARRL shows that ham radio licensees are increasing. When you look at the chart above, you see two significant markers that are likely driving this growth.
- The removal of the code requirement by the FCC.
- The economic collapse of 2008.
The Morse code requirement was always an intimidating part of obtaining your General FCC license. Learning Morse code is like learning a second language. It takes time and effort to learn, and that’s not a bad thing. However, it doesn’t change that it scared many people away from the hobby. When the FCC removed this requirement in 2007, I believe it opened the door for many who spent years on the fence. Then you have the economic downturn of 2008. What does that have to do with ham radio? A lot.
After the economic downturn, the United States watched as survivalism, now commonly calling “prepping,” entered mainstream culture. People were worried as the country was involved in multiple wars and our economy was on the brink of collapse. Citizens stocked up on food storage, water, firearms, and…communications equipment. As our country spiraled into more turmoil ham radio licenses steadily increased to more than 750,000 by the end of 2019.
Is ham radio a hobby or a public service?
The debate between ham radio being a public service or just a hobby is a common argument. The reason we exist is to ultimately have a trained citizenry that can response to natural disasters. This will always be a thread in our hobby, but this thread is merging more and more with digital functions, including the Internet. That’s where some people get grumpy.
FT8/JS8Call
FT8/JS8Call has drew the ire from older operators who don’t see it as “real ham radio.” Though the technology could have huge implications for passing traffic when conditions are rough in remote parts of the world.
Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)
Digital Mobile Radio has exploded in growth in the past decade. Many amateur radio operators use Internet-connected hotspots to operate from their shack without tying up local repeaters. These Internet-connected repeaters hold value, the biggest is the ability to have two different time slots carrying voice traffic simultaneously on one repeater, whether they have an Internet connection or not. DMR doesn’t need to have an Internet backbone to be a game-changer for emergency communications.
Ham radio will always be a hobby where those engaged are practicing to help if the need ever arises, whether they participate in public service events with local clubs or not. And younger operators are redefining how it’s done with new digital technologies — and that’s a great thing!
Millennials are not killing ham radio… they’re the future
Some ham radio operators believe younger hams are “killing” the hobby. These often dismissive and vile opinions are not great for the future of amateur radio. Integrating new technology like VOIP and microcomputers into amateur radio is what it’s all about—using the resources available to communicate and exchange information with others around the world. Who cares how we get it done?
Getting young kids involved in ham radio
We must get children interested in the hobby. Today, kids aren’t impressed with the ability to talk around with the world on 100 watts and a wire. They’re just not. How do we get young people interested in the digital age where they can communicate anywhere in the world with a tap of a button? The ARRL hasn’t done a great job in attracting young people — but there are things we can do!
Capitalize on the next generation of space exploration
The United States is embarking on the next generation of space exploration. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are making space and engineering cool again, and ham radio could easily ride that wave. Focus on targeting kids interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and educate them on AMSAT and the potential to communicate with the International Space Station (ISS). Using space exploration as a drive for getting a ham license would be a fantastic entry point for space geeks everywhere.
Use remote HF and SWL stations to spark interest
For young ham radio operators who already have their license, look no further than Remote Ham Radio as a shining example of how to get kids interested in upgrading their license. They offer a program where kids can win free time using world-class remote DX contest stations. The young hams have to meet the following criteria:
- Be 25 years old or younger
- Hold a General class or higher license
- Be a member of the ARRL
- Have an interest or experience in DXing/Contesting
- Tell us why RHR would be a good fit for you
Kudos to Remote Ham Radio for offering this program to young hams!
POTA/SOTA combines ham radio and outdoor adventure
Living in Colorado, I grew fond of Summits On The Air (SOTA) rather quickly. I mean, it’s cool. You can exercise while playing ham radio all at the same time. We should be focusing on how we can use these outdoor portable operations to attract young hams who love the outdoors. For the extreme outdoor enthusiasts, it would be wise to focus on the usefulness of being able to communicate from the wilderness where cell phone signals are non-existent.
Ham radio has evolved, albeit slowly compared to other technology sectors. That evolution is inevitable. We can’t fight it. We shouldn’t fight it. We need to find ways to encourage new exploration of communication methodology. That all starts with younger ham radio operators bringing new ideas and skills to our hobby.
Let’s not fight it. Let’s embrace it.
Well stated. Also appreciate you web site and YouTube videos. There should be plenty of room in the hobby for everyone. Lets hope that is the case going forward.
I agree, Paul. We should be looking to welcome everyone who wants to get their license, not finding ways to prevent them from getting excited about the hobby…unless they buy a Baofeng. 🙂
I think it’s worth mentioning that in IARU R1 (EMEA), the Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) programme is currently very vibrant and active, attracting hundreds of new and young hams every year. The YOTA contagion went over to the R3 as well. However, ARRL and the whole R2 just doesn’t seem to show any particular interest to take part in YOTA and there are probably lots of reasons for that (including the chart on the top of the article)
That’s good to hear that some of the YOTA programs are very active and enjoying success! What are some of the tactics you’re using in YOTA to attract the young hams in?
I noticed you don’t mention the FPV/Drone hobby, which according to regulations in place requires a HAM license for legal operation of an analog video transmitter. Many many FPV pilots choose to forgo this requirement, but I think it’s still relevant to the increase in HAM radio licensees.
Why the bathroom location? Could have put a bit more thought into this.
A man can dream can’t he? The photo is a community amateur radio station. I’m guessing it’s the only place they had available to place them.
Proof that ham radio can go anywhere!
If you’d check the YOTA website (https://www.ham-yota.com), it might speak for itself a bit. As I see it myself (I’m a former chairman of the national society, later – youth coordinator), major strengths of this programme is 1) the funding of youth summer camps by IARU R1 and, 2) active participation of big gun stations all over the region, supporting the YCP (Yota Contesting Programme), 3) continuous engagement with youngsters with emphasis on leadership (known as TTT – “train the trainer”) – that, with few more nuances actually creates the necessary critical mass and self-facilitation. It’s difficult to describe the YOTA community in few words, you need to be part of it as well 🙂
surely the graph is misleading
it shows a rising line so the future is good?
a rather simplistic forecast
the question is what will the graph look in 30 years
when many hams will have expired
i think we would have greater success promoting the hobby to middle aged and seniors
Ham radio needs more seniors? Are you serious??
Many thanks for your article on keeping/evolving ham radio Alive ‘n Well. I’m always trying to introduce and spark an interest into individuals I come across. This article will now be one of my tools I can use to Spark an Interest in Amateur Radio.
73,
Bill Foy
N6OUI
Good article but it leaves out a critical factor that has always been a big part of Ham Radio – Free Speech and the ability of individuals to bypass government and other censorship. The ability of Ham Radio to communicate uncensored ideas and news is so powerful that mere possession of a SW Receiver was at times & places in history punishable by death. It still is in North Korea.
Currently we see huge corporations now deplatforming ideas and people on the internet and limiting information in support of various social, political and economic agendas. It could be that Free Speech will also drive Ham Radio fans.
I wish there was a pre license like for driving you get a learners permit. That would probably help get kids more interested they take a three or four week course do some small chats take a short 15 question quiz and need only 13 right and then they get a free radio that they can use to chat short distance preset. All that would only cost 50 dollars and kids can try it for a while then get a license.
where we’re going we’ll need no license
Ham radio is not in number of licensees.
It is abut spirit, skills, appreciation and respect, effort, exploration and education. And than kind of ham radio is dying.
Yes it is evolving like replacing humans with robots.
When I was 16 in 1954 us kids who showed an interest in Amateur Radio was befriended by the old timers as I feel that should be continued today. Ham Radio has so very much to offer no matter what the class of license or the mode of operations..
I think HF will or is dying. Will see with next cycle. Seems to me very few new hams in us get HF privileges.
I do like VoIP as well like peanut and zello. It’s all about the conversation with me.
Thanks for the article! It sparked my interest and curiosity again. Being older doesn’t exclude the potential for exploring the knowledge and hobbies around the broadcasting potential at all. In fact, applying one’s self and IT related skills could yield benefits with DIY FOSS applications and equipment.