Amateur radio: past, present and future

Amateur radio is a hobby that encompasses the whole range of communications technology. It has existed since the time Marconi, Hertz and others began their experiments. It is the only hobby that is regulated by the government of every country in the world. To obtain their operating licenses, amateurs are required to pass a written examination in radio regulations and fundamentals of radio technology. More than a 1.5 million persons worldwide are licensed amateurs. Now, after 100 years, amateur radio is at a critical turning point. After a brief summary of how radio amateurs advanced the communication state-of-the art in the past, this paper discusses current problems facing amateur radio in the present and the potential for amateur radio in the future.