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The
ARRL National Traffic System (NTS) is a well-organized system for routing
formal written message traffic (RADIOGRAMS) from any point in the United
States to any other. Messages are relayed from one ham to the next, using a
variety of modes such as voice, Morse code, radio teletype, or packet radio.
The NTS has it origins in the earliest days of radio as is indicated by the
name, "American Radio Relay League"
itself.
In times of emergency, radiograms may be used to communicate information
critical to saving lives or property or to inquire or learn about the health
or welfare of a disaster victim. During these times, NTS works in concert
with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
and other emergency and disaster relief organizations.
However, the NTS does not operate only during disasters. It operates day in
and out 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is used by thousands of people,
hams and non-hams, to send and receive brief greeting messages (happy
birthday, congratulations on the arrival of a new baby, hope you feel better,
etc.) as long as they are of a personal, non-commercial nature (as defined in
the FCC rules).
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