We rely on our cell phones and internet connections to stay in touch. But what happens when these aren’t available? It could happen from a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, landslide, or a major disruption to phone or internet connectivity through equipment failure, network overload, or terrorism.

When this happens, amateur radio operators can come into an affected area and set up communications. Antennas can be held up by trees, and generators can provide equipment power. Communications can be set up for across town, across the country, or around the world, using a coordinated system of traffic networks operated by amateur radio operators who practice their skills every day, 365 days a year.

This is the power of the National Traffic System, a public service program of the ARRL, and we invite you to learn more, build your emergency communications skills, and serve your community in times of need.

This site provides information about NTS operations in the West Gulf Division of the American Radio Relay League. For more information on national operations, visit the ARRL headquarters website at https://www.arrl.org/nts. For more information about the sections within the Division, visit their respective websites: