Ham radio is a great thing for most people. It allows people to talk on the phone in their car without a celular phone. It allows people to talk to others in China, Russia, England and many other forign places with out leaving their houses or paying those very high priced international phone lines. People can use it to keep contact with friends over long distances. Ham radio is also used for disaster relief. When local law enforcment officers no longer have communication lines, Amateur radio operators step in to provide local and out of town communications.
To become a ham, one must take a test administered by the FCC. Upon successful completion of the test You will receive your personal call sign that will function much like the call of a FM radio station. There are six levels of licenses. These are, Novice, Technician, Technician Plus, General, Advanced and Amateur Extra. With each new level of license, the operator receives more privileges in the radio spectrum.
Ham radio is a good way to meet new people, be part of a team and to just enjoy yourself.
For more information...
ARRLWeb: ARRL's Home Page The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) is a nationwaide service including most hams in the US. Go here for more information about becoming a ham radio operator.
Univ. of Ark. at Little Rock's Amateur Radio Club Home Page is a database of ham radio call signs. See if any of your friends have calls.