Imagine it is two o’clock in the morning. Your phone suddenly makes that familiar alert sound, rudely waking you from sleep. Half-awake, you reach for the phone and see another notification about a missing child. Your first thought might be somewhat cynical: “At two in the morning? Who is going to drive around the streets looking for a missing child?” And yet, the answer might be surprisingly simple: maybe we are.

For over 25 years, amateur radio equipment has been operating aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the ARISS program (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). Thanks to this system, radio amateurs around the world can receive signals from the station, use its repeater, send APRS packets, and with a little luck—even talk directly with an astronaut.

Every year, at the beginning of July, thousands of amateur radio operators from around the world take part in one of the most recognizable amateur radio events in North America – the 13 Colonies Special Event. Organized continuously since 2008, the event commemorates the thirteen colonies that formed the foundation of the United States of America.

June 27, 2026, will be remembered as a historic day in broadcasting. On that day, the BBC will end transmissions of Radio 4 on 198 kHz in the Long Wave band. At 00:00 UTC, three historic transmitters—Droitwich in England and Burghead and Westerglen in Scotland—will fall silent. This marks the end of nearly 92 years of one of the most recognizable radio services in Europe.

Every year, on the fourth weekend of June, amateur radio operators from across North America gather for ARRL Field Day—the largest and most recognized event in the world of amateur radio communications. Held continuously since 1933, the event combines emergency preparedness exercises, technical education, operating competition, and public outreach. This year's edition will take place on June 27–28, when thousands of radio amateurs will once again set up temporary stations in parks, campgrounds, and other outdoor locations to test their skills and readiness to provide communications during emergencies.