The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) and Radio Relay International (RRI) have announced the signing of an agreement intended to help the organizations strengthen key networks essential to ongoing communications during natural disasters and other emergencies.
According to an article posted on the ARRL website, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties will help the two organizations align their respective efforts to modernize and enhance the National Traffic System (NTS), a communications network comprised of amateur radio operators across the United States.
The specific areas of the NTS targeted for improvement under the MoU include developing additional high-frequency digital networks, continued development of VHF and UHF digital packet radio network capabilities, and improved operability with state and local emergency communications organizations and systems.
“We’re seeing amateur radio continue to be a vital tool before and during times of crisis,” noted Josh Johnston, ARRL’s Director of Emergency Management. Citing the recent devastating floods in Texas and natural disasters associated with last year’s hurricane season, he further reinforced the critical importance of the NTS and the amateur radio network. “Amateur radio works when all else fails.”
The ARRL article on the MoU between the ARRL and RRI is available at https://www.arrl.org/news/radio-relay-international-and-arrl-sign-memorandum-of-understanding.
The text of the MoU is available at https://www.arrl.org/files/file/EMCOMM/2025/RRI-and-ARRL-MOU-2025.pdf.