The National Traffic System®, or NTS®, is a network that allows for rapid movement of traffic—or radiograms—from origin to destination. NTS helps to train radio amateurs in relaying messages accurately and in a timely fashion. It also reinforces good on-air procedures. Message relay and training form the basis of the National Traffic System.
Why should I get involved in NTS?
Because it’s fun! And it helps you to become a better communicator.
During normal times, radiogram messages are typically routine greetings (“Happy birthday Aunt Mary”). They keep the system well oiled and the operators trained so that everything works when needed.
But during disasters or other communications emergencies, these same radiogram messages can convey critical information that can inquire about the health or welfare of a victim in a disaster area, or even potentially save lives and property.
You can become involved in traffic handling by checking into a local net on a 2-meter repeater using an ordinary handheld transceiver. Training nets are also available on the internet via Zoom.
You can find the time and frequency of your local NTS net in the “ARRL Net Directory.” Or you can ask your ARRL Section Manager. Their name and address is listed in any issue of QST on p. 16.
Improving NTS
The proliferation of low-cost/free telephone calls, text messaging, and the worldwide web means today’s general public has many alternatives to traditional radiograms. As a result, much of today’s NTS traffic consists solely of amateur-to-amateur: “welcome to amateur radio,” “license expiration” etc. In addition, there are serious questions as to the accuracy and reliability of our networks. It should also be noted that some public agencies have never heard of NTS; or, have begun creating their own backup messaging systems.
A project informally known as “NTS 2.0” started in 2022. It seeks to improve and expand upon the ways in which we deliver and originate radiogram messages. It also seeks to restate our purpose to the general public and served agencies.
The project set out to devise tools and methods to allow our network to expand its current capabilities to provide better training, access and delivery, updated volunteer recognition and incentives, and wide-area message communications services for ARES, SKYWARN, RACES, and other served agencies.
We welcome your ideas and involvement in improving the National Traffic System!
The following article appears in the June issue of the NTS Letter: In a previous issue of The NTS Letter, we reported on the efforts of one of the NTS committee working groups to create a series of certificates (such as the one shown below) to recognize and show appreciation to traffic handlers for their time, effort, and dedication in support of the National Traffic System®. These new ARRL-authorized certificates will generally be awarded and …
The following article was included in the May NTS Letter: Field Day is said to be the highlight of the year for amateur radio operators. It is held annually on the fourth weekend in June, which this year falls on June 28 and 29. There is something for almost any amateur radio operator. It is perhaps foremost an exercise in emergency preparedness, one of the primary reasons for the existence of the Amateur Radio Service. …
The following article appears in the June issue of the NTS Letter: In a previous issue of The NTS Letter, we reported on the efforts of one of the NTS committee working groups to create a series of certificates (such as the one shown below) to recognize and show appreciation to traffic handlers for their time, effort, and dedication in support of the National Traffic System®. These new ARRL-authorized certificates will generally be awarded and …
The following article was included in the May NTS Letter: Field Day is said to be the highlight of the year for amateur radio operators. It is held annually on the fourth weekend in June, which this year falls on June 28 and 29. There is something for almost any amateur radio operator. It is perhaps foremost an exercise in emergency preparedness, one of the primary reasons for the existence of the Amateur Radio Service. …
The following story appeared in the March 18, 2025 issue of ARRL Club News: Your club is planning to staff a table at a local community fair or event. Offer to send radiograms. Recruit volunteers to explain what a radiogram is and, later, send the messages. Who in your radio club is active on the traffic nets? How many members know the radiogram format or know how to send a radiogram message on the air? …
Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Training Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. VNTN will accept check-ins and radiogram traffic utilizing standard phonetics and pro-signs; in short, …
Interested in NTS and Traffic Handling? Join us Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. This training will incorporate videos and open discussion to get you started in an exciting aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years! Your hosts: Western MA Section Manager Ray LaJoie, AA1SE; MARI Section Traffic Manager Marcia Forde, KW1U; Bob Sparkes, KC1KVY; and Shawn Dodds, N1CVO, will discuss NTS traffic handling basics and traffic net procedures. …
NTS traffic net operation will be prominently on display at the 2024 Northeast HamXposition and New England Division Convention, on Saturday, August 24 at 2:45 PM. John Gotthardt, K1UAF, will operate remotely as net control station at the Nashua Area Radio Society exhibit for a session of the First Region Net. All are welcome to visit the booth and observe how formal message traffic is passed on the air. Additionally, two separate talks and forums …
It's been an exciting past 12 months for participants in the NTS 2.0 project. NTS 2.0 is a subcommittee of the League's Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee comprised of numerous working groups. We are proud to report the following accomplishments: Creation and publication of The NTS Letter Creation and implementation of an APRS->NTS gateway Creation and implementation of the Radiogram Portal The NTS "Treasure Hunt" An updated awards program (rollout imminent) Several NTS training …
Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, Ridgefield, Connecticut, inventor of the highly popular program “EchoLink,” was featured as guest on the QSO Today podcast, episode #487. Taylor is also author of the NTS 2.0 Radiogram Portal web application. From QSO Today: “Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, has reached his 50th year has a ham radio operator, is the creator of Echolink, one of the first amateur radio Voice over Internet Service linking amateur radio stations, the receiver of technical innovation awards, and author …
You can now use APRS to send a radiogram through the NTS gateway. NTSGTE is an APRS information service that receives radiograms and forwards them on to the Digital Traffic Network. Radiograms are then relayed on as usual. This service can be useful in situations where you need to send a radiogram but are unable to check in to a traditional NTS net. [Details]
The National Traffic System®, or NTS®, is a network that allows for rapid movement of traffic—or radiograms—from origin to destination. NTS helps to train radio amateurs in relaying messages accurately and in a timely fashion. It also reinforces good on-air procedures. Message relay and training form the basis of the National Traffic System.
Because it’s fun! And it helps you to become a better communicator.
The proliferation of low-cost/free telephone calls, text messaging, and the worldwide web means today’s general public has many alternatives to traditional radiograms. As a result, much of today’s NTS traffic consists solely of amateur-to-amateur: “welcome to amateur radio,” “license expiration” etc. In addition, there are serious questions as to the accuracy and reliability of our networks. It should also be noted that some public agencies have never heard of NTS; or, have begun creating their own backup messaging systems.
The project set out to devise tools and methods to allow our network to expand its current capabilities to provide better training, access and delivery, updated volunteer recognition and incentives, and wide-area message communications services for ARES, SKYWARN, RACES, and other served agencies.