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Add radio email with Winlink (optional, licensed operators)

Winlink is a radio email system. Its Hybrid Network can pass email between radio gateways over HF, even if the internet is down everywhere.

How

1. This is for licensed amateur operators only. Get the licence and HF station first (comms-11, comms-13).
2. Winlink says the Hybrid Network delivers email end to end if the internet is down, forwarding messages between gateways over HF radio.
3. Find the nearest gateways and practise sending a short message with your local emergency radio group.
4. Respect the plain-language rules (comms-4). Radio email on amateur bands is not private, so keep sensitive details out.
5. Use the ICS 213 message card layout (comms-20) for formal messages.
6. Add it to the PACE plan (comms-2) as a Contingency level for messages to the region or further.

Do these first

• comms-13

Sources

1. Introducing the Winlink Hybrid Network. Winlink Development Team, accessed 2026-11
2. Amateur Radio Wireless Telegraphy Licence Conditions Booklet (OFW611, February 2024). Ofcom (UK), accessed 2026-11
3. 47 CFR 97.113: Prohibited transmissions. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, accessed 2026-11

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