Hams activate Hurricane VoIP Net

A VoIP network devoted to news and information about Hurricane Felix was activated this morning by ham radio operators. The VoIP Hurricane Net was set up to collect damage reports from hams throughout Felix's path in Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize.

The network connects licensed amateur radio operators via specialized VoIP software known as "Echolink." It allows communications when over-the-air radio frequencies are disrupted. It was also activated for Hurricane Dean in the Caribbean and Hurricane Flossie near Hawaii.

Ham operators are often on the front line of reporting extreme weather conditions--they have their own station at the National Hurricane Center. That a group as venerable and tech savvy as the ham community has integrated VoIP into their communications infrastructure speaks volumes about the technology.   

For More:
- Amateur Radio News has more here
- The VoIP Hurricane Net website is here