About Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme:
- It is a pioneering programme that connects radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands.
- It was established in 1964.
- It is managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorising islands into groups for communication.
Key Facts about Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)
- Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes.
- HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.
- The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasising innovation and service.
- In India, as per the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Amendment Rules, 1984
- ‘Amateur service’ means a service of self-training intercommunications and technical investigation carried on by Amateurs that is, by persons duly authorised under these rules interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.”
- Any citizen of India who is above 12 years of age can become a ham by qualifying in the Amateurs Station Operators’ examination (ASO) and obtaining a valid Amateur wireless telegraph station licence.
