I am writing to strongly oppose any efforts to deregulate amateur radio. As a licensed operator, I have witnessed firsthand the indispensable role that amateur radio plays in emergency situations. The continued regulation of amateur radio is critical to preserving its ability to support public safety, especially during disasters and other crises when traditional communication systems fail.

Amateur radio has proven time and again to be an essential resource in emergencies. During natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, commercial communication systems often become overloaded, damaged, or completely inaccessible. In these situations, amateur radio operators provide a lifeline for emergency responders, relief organizations, and the general public. They are able to establish reliable communication networks in areas where other forms of communication are non-functional. This ability to rapidly set up ad hoc communication networks has been critical to saving lives, coordinating rescue operations, and distributing vital information during some of the most devastating events.

One of the most notable examples of amateur radio’s role in emergencies is during Hurricane Katrina. When all other communications failed, amateur radio operators were able to connect emergency services, hospitals, and aid organizations, playing a key role in the recovery efforts. This is just one example of how deregulating amateur radio could severely hinder emergency response efforts by creating confusion, interference, and the loss of a structured, dependable system.

Moreover, amateur radio operators are often the first to establish communication in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, well before traditional resources become available. Their training, equipment, and expertise make them uniquely qualified to handle the complexities of emergency communications. However, if amateur radio were deregulated, there is a real risk that interference, misuse of frequencies, and the lack of trained operators would diminish the ability of these networks to function effectively during a crisis.

The importance of maintaining regulations cannot be overstated. A regulated system ensures that amateur radio operators are properly trained and have access to the appropriate frequencies to provide clear and uninterrupted communication when it is needed most. Removing these regulations would open the door to interference, misuse, and unqualified individuals operating on these critical frequencies, which would not only disrupt emergency communications but could also place lives at risk.

Additionally, amateur radio's ability to operate independently of commercial infrastructure is a key factor in its value during emergencies. Deregulating the service could result in chaotic conditions on the airwaves, with uncoordinated use of frequencies that could lead to interference and confusion, severely compromising the ability of emergency operators to communicate effectively.

In conclusion, the regulation of amateur radio is essential to preserving its critical role in emergency preparedness and response. Deregulation would undermine the reliability and effectiveness of amateur radio as a communication tool in times of crisis, potentially jeopardizing lives and the overall safety of our communities. I urge you to consider the far-reaching consequences of such a decision and to maintain the structure that has enabled amateur radio to serve as a vital asset in times of emergency.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I trust that you will prioritize the public good and the safety of all citizens when making decisions regarding the future of amateur radio.