I was recently talking to a friend who works in tech about radio. He asked me a simple question: "What's radio's killer app?" This is the answer I wish I had given him.
Radio's killer app is a net. A net is very low-tech way for three or more people talk to each other via an on-air meeting. It's basically conference call, but over radio.
If this sounds low-tech, that's because it is. And that's a good thing, but we'll get into that in a minute.
A net can either be directed (like what you will find in an ARES net) or informal - like what you might hear on an amateur repeater, where the conversation is a little more ad-hoc.
The biggest distinguisher of a net being directed or not, is if the net has a "net control station" or NCS - this is basically someone who calls the meeting to order and steers the conversation of the net.
No matter what though, the etiquette on a net is going to be much more structured than what you would have on a telephone conference call, or a video chat.
It's going to feel like stepping back in time a bit.
Why is that a good thing? Well for one, it makes sure things are run smoothly and efficiently.
Two - Discipline. Radios are not magic, and adhering to the protocols can increase reliability when you need it most, especially in emergency contexts.
Three - Ease of monitoring. It might sound unintuitive, but having good etiquette and a formal check-in time will make it easier for others to join. Radios work in real-time, so knowing the right time to tune in is crucial for effective communication.
So how is this a killer app? It's definitely not something that you can just download once and have it always work when you need it. But if you bother to set some protocols up before you need them, they can pay off in the long run.
Let's use an example of your neighborhood - this is a great place to set up a net - even if you don't particularly like your neighbors.
If you set up a net within your neighborhood for when things get bad (think the "contingent" level of your PACE plan), you can help organize your neighbors and get aid to those who need it.
Imagine a tornado comes through your town and hits your neighborhood. Your net can activate immediately, allowing those hit hardest in your neighborhood to call for help.
Stack this with other nets like ARES or RACES - which are civilian nets set up to help coordinate rescue efforts, and even if cell services are down, you can not only coordinate local aid, but also pull in resources from your city or state which are responding to the disaster.
Nets can be an organizing force when the world is at its most chaotic. The coordination of neighbors and emergency services could mean the difference of life or death when disaster strikes.
So really, Nets are the Killer app that could save someone you know from being killed at all.
In an upcoming thread, we're going to lay out exactly how to create a net for your neighborhood, licensing considerations, and some ways to pitch the idea to your neighbors. It's all part of our #NothingButNets series
Please help spread the word with a like, share, and follow for more on how simple radio setups can be a lifeline in emergencies. Don't miss out on our upcoming #NothingButNets series!
