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I wanted to talk for a minute about why internet linked repeaters and radios are somewhat detrimental to ham radio.  This is not to say there is no benefit, or that the systems should be scrapped, instead I think the rules should be changed, where applicable.

First, let me explain what I mean by internet connected repeaters and radios.  Systems like EchoLink, IRLP, and similar are software solutions that bridge a repeater or a radio to a distant point via the internet.  The audio is sent via some type of VoIP, and often there is signalling information sent as well which will tell the radio to transmit or not. 

Why they are bad

These systems create an infrastructure, which I have heard being used for disaster communications.  This infrastructure may not be present during some emergencies.  Take Katrina, the internet connections were largely non-existant in the hours following the hurricane.  By relying on infrastructure that may not be present, you are creating a situation where the ability to  communicate to provide disaster relief may be compromised.  While I am sure that some people do drills to compensate for not having the link, I have not witnessed those and am guessing that more people do not test without these internet connected repeaters and trying to establish links using more conventional ham radio gear.  If this is true, then there is a greater chance of problems when the time comes and those systems have to be used to save lives.

Another reasn they are bad is the regulatory system.  The rules are created in a time before the internet, and they have not evolved since.  If a US tech license holder is using a repeater, and a Swiss licensed person gets on that repeater via an internet link, then a potential problem exists.  Techs are not allowed to talk to Swiss license holders under the mistaken belief that HF would be required for them to communicate.  This is the agreement between the US and Switzerland, but it boils down to a regulatory problem.

Another issue is FCC rule 97.117.  This rule states that when talking to a station in a different country you may only discuss things of personal character or directly related to amateur radio.  While this seems like a fairly harmless rule, if someone uses an internet connected radio and talks to you, you may not be aware they are in a different country (particularly if they are connected to a repeater that only has local coverage).  This leads you to  violate this rule.

This rule also makes other modes of communication harder, and is more the point of this post.   Take email services like Winlink.  This rule makes it difficult to send an email to someone asking them to water your yard while you are away on holiday.  Additionally if you are asked about the freedom of speech that exists in the US you must reply with something akin to “I would love to tell you about that freedom, however the government passed a rule that says I cannot talk about it”.

I can understand the point of this rule, to stop ham radio operators from being accused of starting or support insurrections, dissent, or from getting into flame wars (back when it was just called an argument) over hot button topics.  This rule also probably exists to prevent the other side from being able to do the same here. The wording of the rule is a bit overzealous.  I think that this rule  should be amended to allow for things like email services, to allow for a more free discussion while foreigners  are connected via internet repeaters, and similar.