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<P><FONT size=2><FONT size=6>Civic employees will learn to use HAM
radio.<BR></FONT><BR></FONT><FONT size=3><FONT face=Tahoma>The Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to promote HAM technology in all its
wards.<BR><BR>HAM uses private wireless set to communicate with other HAMs and
can be used to communicate in disasters, when landlines and mobiles don't work.
"Disasters happens due to lack of communication. I am glad to hear that HAMs
would be ing in those conditions," said Municipal Commissioner Swadheen
Kshatriya after distributing certificates, on Saturday, to those who underwent
training at the HAM bay station in Malabar Hill.<BR><BR> "We would
encourage two to three civic employees per ward to learn this
technology." <BR><BR>Citizens’ groups are tying up with the BMC to get
volunteers trained to operate the HAM radio.<BR><BR>Indrani Malkani, Malabar
Hills Residents’ Association secretary, said: "During the deluge, I realised
that alternate communication system is required and I knew about HAM
technology."<BR><BR>She got in touch with JNA wireless association. They then
tied up with BMC in 2006. "We felt we need more HAM operators so we thought we
would like to sponsor training classes," she said. "We set up centres at
Cathedral and John Connon Infant School, Malabar Hill, Sathye College in Vile
Parle."<BR><BR>The cost of a HAM handset ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000.
In Mumbai there are 24 HAM operators.</FONT> </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma><STRONG>Fonte: eHam.net
News]</STRONG></FONT></P></BODY></HTML>