2022-23 Storm Season is Ahead: Time to “Get Resilient”?

We’re now in the peak of hurricane season, and winter storms are a few months away. Sadly, sophisticated cyber attacks against infrastructure are just a mouse click away. Now is a great time to build more personal “communications resiliency”- well beyond your smartphone- by adding low-cost, effective amateur radio capabilities to enhance your other hobbies, like boating and hiking.

All it takes is earning your federal amateur radio license, and soon you’ll discover the fun of being able to talk with fellow Rhode Island “hams” (and those worldwide) without depending on vulnerable infrastructures like our electrical grid, cell phone network, or the Internet.

The next FCC Amateur Radio Licensing Class is forming quickly and will be held via ZOOM starting Tuesday, September 27 at 6 PM. The free class is open to the public of all ages and is sponsored by the 180 members of the Newport County Radio Club.

This highly popular, instructor-led course has licensed 250 fellow Rhode Islanders over the last eight years. The course will be given in six sessions concluding with a federally-required multiple choice exam on November 12th.

The class is suitable for middle school through adult learners. Past experience shows that 90% of the students that participate in the classes pass the exam. The license is good for 10 years, doesn’t require additional testing, and can even get your own unique, vanity FCC callsign. (RI’s DMV will even hand you a “radio operator” plate for your car for NO additional plate fee).

Fees: The class is free. A study guide is optional. The exam is $15, and when you pass, the FCC fee is $35. Again, your license will be valid for 10 years, and no future retesting is needed. Get the full details – including information on a license “upgrade” class – at https://w1sye.org/?page_id=151