this post was submitted on 12 Jan 2026
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What if the Internet Goes Down? - 15 Jan, 7PM CET (lemmy.ml)
submitted 3 days ago by chobeat@lemmy.ml to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Licensing means nothing in an emergency situation. I never understand why it is even mentioned in these arguments. In fact, even if the world isn't ending, you can ALWAYS use a ham radio in an emergency with or without a license (defined by the FCC as immediate dangers to life or property).

More importantly, there are at least an order of magnitude more ham radios out there than mesh devices. It isn't even close. If the world ends, find a ham radio. Ideally you will know what to do with it when the time comes.

I wish this energy was just put towards promoting ham, tbh.

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 1 points 2 days ago

If you don't know how to use a radio or set it up before the emergency then it's useless. You need to be ready before. And part of getting ready and learning is being licensed.

[–] NuXCOM_90Percent@lemmy.zip 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Maybe you'd understand more things if you continued to read after the first opportunity you see to spew whatever you want to?

But in a “the internet is out” situation? Or even a “please evacuate in a calm and orderly fashion” for a wildfire or a bad hurricane? That is where meshtastic (et al) shine and it is well worth convincing friends to pick up a t-deck or whatever. Excellent for the “is it out for everyone or just me?” checks. Also useful for letting people know which field can see a cell tower a county or two over for emergency communication or to even coordinate whether you are all gonna head North or South to hang out for (hopefully just) a few days.

I'll also add on that it is useful to be able to practice and get familiar with a tool without risking a fine.

I wish this energy was just put towards promoting ham, tbh.

I wish you put more energy towards reading the comments you are replying to

[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.world 0 points 3 days ago (1 children)

But in a “the internet is out” situation? Or even a “please evacuate in a calm and orderly fashion” for a wildfire or a bad hurricane? That is where meshtastic (et al) shine and it is well worth convincing friends to pick up a t-deck or whatever. Excellent for the “is it out for everyone or just me?” checks. Also useful for letting people know which field can see a cell tower a county or two over for emergency communication or to even coordinate whether you are all gonna head North or South to hang out for (hopefully just) a few days.

Disagree. Ham is better here, for the reasons I already mentioned.

I'll also add on that it is useful to be able to practice and get familiar with a tool without risking a fine.

You don't risk a fine if you get the license first. The test is not difficult and costs something like $10.

I wish you put more energy towards reading the comments you are replying to

I put in the appropriate amount of energy for the quality of the comment (and the rudeness of the response -- be better).

[–] NuXCOM_90Percent@lemmy.zip 6 points 3 days ago

Got it. Nobody should consider the need for a license because, in an emergency, you don't need one. But also get a license so that you can use it in non-emergencies otherwise you'll get a fine.

Good talk.