No phones, no internet, no communications... When all else fails, there's amateur radio
We rely on our cell phones and internet connections to stay in touch. But what happens when these aren’t available? It could happen from a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, landslide, or a major disruption to phone or internet connectivity through equipment failure, network overload, or terrorism.
When this happens, amateur radio operators can come into an affected area and set up communications. Antennas can be held up by trees, and generators can provide equipment power. Communications can be set up for across town, across the country, or around the world, using a coordinated system of traffic networks operated by amateur radio operators who practice their skills every day, 365 days a year.
This is the power of the National Traffic System, a public service program of the ARRL, and we invite you to learn more, build your emergency communications skills, and serve your community in times of need.
This site provides information about NTS operations in the North Texas Section of the American Radio Relay League. For more information on national operations, visit the ARRL headquarters website at https://www.arrl.org/nts. For more information about the North Texas Section, visit the section website at https://www.arrlntx.org.
Recent news and updates
Traffic system status upgraded to STANDBY ahead of Beryl landfall
Traffic handlers in and around North Texas are prepared and ready to assist with any traffic related to Beryl.While the traffic system is able to respond to emergency, priority, and […]
NTS 2.0 – The future of the National Traffic System
Numerous hams active in traffic handling have been collaborating over the last several months to help move the National Traffic System forward in its evolution. With advancements in communications technologies, […]
April 2023 NTS test now underway
The ARRL North Texas Section is conducting a traffic system test. This test is similar to one we ran in 2020: radiograms are being sent to all Section Traffic Managers, […]
North Texas NTS Traffic Handler Task Book Draft
Hi everyone, One of the pieces of feedback I’ve received over time is the need for a learning path for traffic handlers looking to build their skills. While traffic nets […]