In a recent blog I discussed the vulnerabilities of the power grid in America. On December 25, of 2020 the United States of America experienced a unique attack. The attack was unique and terrifying for many reasons. An interesting aspect of this attack is it did not cause a large loss of human life. Contrary to most attacks, the attacker even prevented loss of life by playing a message for 15 minutes over the RV’s PA system advising a bomb would detonate. While the intent for the attack remains unknown; there was an important realization I took away from this incident. The communications grid is remarkably robust and vulnerable at the same time. While only portions of the communications grid was rendered inoperative, some of the inoperative parts were critical infrastructure.
Whether it was strategic or not may never be known; the bomb detonated right outside of an AT&T network hub. This caused catastrophic damage to the communications grid causing failures in 911 call centers; further the bomb caused infrastructural damage to the cellular, wireline telephone, internet, and television services. Further T-Mobile reported some interruptions in service. Another issue presented itself for the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control and their experienced outages in communications. These communication issues caused grounding of planes in the Nashville International Airport. A single attack damaged many areas of the communications infrastructure in middle Tennessee with outages reported nationwide. With an events like these becoming more common it seems communities and families should consider alternative back up communications.
There are three viable options for families to consider for alternative communications. FRS, Amateur radio and GMRS radio. One major hindrance of the FRS radio systems is its limited long distance communications. FRS radios are limited to two watts when in comparison GMRS and HAM hand held radios are typically 5 watts. Long range communication is limited with FRS radios due to the limited power and fixed antennas. A lot of FRS radios advertise a 20-30 mile range in the right conditions. The ideal conditions are broad daylight, in the middle of the desert with no vegetation. Vegetation, buildings, vehicles, weather, and time of day all affect the radio signals ability to travel over long distances. However, FRS radios are the common “Walkie Talkies” available at almost every major retailer and require no license or in depth training.
A GMRS radio license can be purchased and obtained without any knowledge test. The GMRS license cost $35 soon (currently $70) and will cover your entire immediate family for 10 years. Friends and non-immediate family can purchase this low cost license creating an extensive network of people to communicate with. GMRS offers 22 channels that are shared with the FRS frequencies. GMRS can however use the 7 repeater frequencies FRS does not have access too.
The Amateur Radio License, also commonly called, Ham Radio License offer the greatest range of frequency’s and distance in talking. Along with this ability it comes with both a cost, and knowledge test for each level. In order to take full advantage of frequency’s offered by Amateur Radio there are three separate test to take, Technician, General, Amateur Extra. I am currently a General class license holder with plans to upgrade to Amateur Extra. Amateur Radio can be utilized to talk virtually around the world with the high frequency spectrum. In the UHF and VHF band with a properly placed repeater high enough in the air you can talk 5-10 miles conservatively. While possible to get into repeaters further away, sometimes reception and transmitting can be inconsistent. I also am not running the best radio systems money can buy so there is performance left on the table. While driving and utilizing a 50 watt mobile VHF/UHF radio, I have been able to listen to conversations close to 40 miles away.
Whichever radio series you decide on, I would research and choose durable radios with the ability to accept AA or AAA batteries. Mobile and Base Station radios can be adapted to work on 12 Volt batteries. Both 12 volt and AA/AAA batteries can be recharged with solar set ups. Further, the AA/AAA feature is nice in pro longed civil unrest periods in which the factory Lithium Ion batteries may start suffering from reduced capacity due to use.
Four Horsemen Adventures and Preparedness 