What To Do When The Cell Phones Go Down (AT&T)

On the heels of the great AT&T outage. Here are my thoughts on how to offset your dependence on phones with different radio services and technologies.
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#HRCC #hamradio #amateurradio
00:00 - Intro
03:13 - What Happened To AT&T?
06:01 - The First Thing To Do!
07:52 - The Three Part Plan
10:10 - Voice: Amateur Radio
11:48 - High Frequency Amateur Radio
13:27 - Send Data Over Ham Radio
15:46 - Meshtastic Mesh Network and Messaging
18:46 - APRS
20:20 - Final Thoughts & Recommendations

[@ItsaMeLeah]

I definitely sent a message that said those exact words while grocery shopping to feed our family nutritious food.

[@Spencer.76]

😂🤣 In those exact words 😂🤣

[@Eric10179]

The 4th wall deadpan got me good 😂😂😂

[@milliardo279]

That look was probably the best part of the video. Nothing else matters but that!

[@myrealname2022]

Blink twice if you are being held against your will? lol.

[@thedwighty]

Better get yourself the new Kenwood HT. For maximum connectivity. Safety First.

[@xephael3485]

Yeah the wife thanking him is pure fiction 😂

[@knowmeaning]

That look at the camera after reading the message from the wife... 🤣

[@kenofken9458]

I remember life before cell phones. It really is possible to survive for a few hours or a day without texting and checking your social media feed 10 times every hour.

[@aqdrobert]

I enjoy TCAS tech, Two Cans and String.

[@Baumeister40]

I can live without those things... but sometimes I really need the Google Maps. Or I need to reference photos, drawings & email to get my job done for the day.

[@thomasthomas8091]

Best minute of cinema right at 1:48 with the slow turn. LOVE IT!

[@platinumfalconm3891]

I literally LOL'd

[@ElectricityTaster]

I agree.

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

Comms is the main thing I have focused on in my "readiness" lifestyle. I wish more people would pick up on the message that old school analog is foolproof, at least 99% of the time. Great video as always Josh!

[@colebronson3392]

Hey just wanted to say this format is super useful and easily digestible! Took a lot of stress off the communications I’m lacking while also making me feel excited rather than stressed to get more into it!!! Being prepared can feel like a black hole and you make it a much happier hobby/lifestyle

[@alfredfishcock]

I always appreciate the knowledge that you relay in your videos. A lot of info out Barney style, great job! Hearing you talk about HF and sending data in binary makes me remember doing sigint training and how mind blowing it was once you learned everything.

[@leroymay8156]

There is also NPR70. "New Packet Radio over 70cm" This is very nice to create a transparent Ethernet connection in UHF, so it is great to connect e.g. a PC to the Internet or the Hamnet. I do access the Hamnet in this way, since I don't have line of sight to a 6GHz access point. Fairly slow, but quite stable.

[@kc1qch]

Thanks for making this video Josh, I shared it to a few of my friends that have been on the ropes with ham radio, but thought it didn't have purpose in their daily life's. You really nailed it on this one.

[@ToddDunford]

Great video Josh. Love the practical cross over to prepping. Our club is just getting into mesh networking and it's always fun learning from the other hams what projects they have started.

[@blueboy1183]

Great video!! Videos like this will get more people into ham radio!! I recently got my general license and will go to extra in a few months!! Thanks for all your videos!! I look forward to all the videos!!

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Josh, can you do more in-depth dive on Meshtastic? Setting up the units??? Great Video Josh!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ve done it, in live stream and an intro. See links in description.

[@gregsmith1116]

Cool video, Josh! Thank you for starting the ball rolling in my neck of the woods!

[@peck4933]

This is incredible. You are a one stop source. Thank you!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s taken a while, but we’re getting there. 🤣👍

[@zmokeu]

Thx for all the hard work. Fellow so cal so appreciate the local knowledge

[@Hornman120]

I found this to be one of the most interesting videos that you have produced. Similar to you, I have over 45 years of experience as a Software Engineer with Bank of America--now retired. Played with a computer in high school, in the late sixties that had 4K of core memory and no operating system. I just obtained my Technician License last month KF0PBA and plan to go for my General in about 2 weeks. Thank you for putting this video out.

[@M9A1MAN]

Good video bro. The gird will go down, not a matter of if, but when... be prepared folks.

[@RicksHamShack]

Good bit of information packed in a 22 minute video. Nicely done.

[@dewrunning]

Other than the timely and informative information, the text from wife at the beginning of the video, and then Josh looking at the camera, resulted in a welcomed laugh, which was much needed - Thanks !

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@edwardlemley5222]

I have first net and while everyone else in my area was out. My first net kept on like normal. But I’m in the process of setting up Meshtastic nodes in my area for backup comms. Great video!

[@MarvinBowen]

This is a great video! You covered so many bases and saved people so much time from having to hunt around after all of these things. Well done!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I am really glad you found it helpful!

[@LetsGoAmateurRadio]

Josh, well done. You are the best communicator in amateur radio on KZbin! 73 Nate W4NDK

[@jacquesredmond]

Thank you so much for managing to find the time to throw together such an informative video immediately after the AT&T "incident". Ham operators already know this stuff, but this is one video that we can all share with our non-licensed buddies, using the "incident" as a wakeup call to what could, and most likely would be a very serious problem in the future. Thank you once again, and 73 J.D. - WW1ZRD

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That was my master plan!

[@JackBQuick79]

Having full blown conversation with yourself shows just how into communication you really are. You got my attention.

[@GeezerWheels]

GREAT video! Thanks for addressing this phone outage issue. Wife and I are licensed hams and have also given one neighbor (1.2 miles away - we live in the country) a Baofeng UV-5R GRMS for emergencies and power outages (common here in winter). Thanks for your practical, informative videos that are also entertaining! BTW, have you addressed solar / battery backup power? Love your vids!!! W5AQZ in SW Colorado.

[@michaeleber4752]

Good evening HRCC! NotARubicon sent me here. Then I realized I've watched several of your videos so I subscribed. Just starting HAM (the only radio type here in Colombia) so I have a lot to learn.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@chrischristopher36]

Great channel dude. This is good stuff

[@annerikson8720]

Really enjoyed your video. Very good overview.

[@Sgt2881]

Outstanding video Josh, thanks

[@m809krazee]

The stare at the end of “it pretty nice huh” Oh you looking at me the viewer 😂. Im new to radios. And this past att fiasco triggered it for me. Videos are great! Thank you

[@rbmwiv]

My niece and nephew have radios and use my Gmrs license and that outage didn’t really affect us. I gave everyone a radio lock on the local repeater that covers the whole county.

[@renterp]

You earned a Sub today homie. Very fantastic video. Great information, and a fun learning experience. Thank you.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!!

[@BeeHamGuy]

Thanks for the enjoyable video, Jason. You did a nice job of logically walking through a variety of capabilities. I would love for a video on a similar flow of power options needed to maintain the chosen comms. Bravo.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks, I’m Josh. 🤣

[@BeeHamGuy]

Sorry! It was in my head right, but not in my fingers! All you guys are such a tremendous gift to our community. Thank you.

[@Niteskate1]

Thanks Josh, good information as always and will give me some new things to check out. Oh and nice Hallicrafters TW2000, I have that same radio. 73 de VE7WNO.

[@barrelandhatchet]

This channel is legit! Def a great resource for the preparedness communities as well! Awesome video! Maybe a collab in the future!

[@sdoville]

So awesome Josh!

[@microbeguy]

Love that 4th wall break stare after the layered comms comment!!!!

[@Martin_Lynch]

Excellent amusing content, well done.

[@davidg5308]

Well done, Josh - sounding like the next iteration of the Guru from Costa Mesa! Great info on the differences of freqs and the 2 freaks in the intro! Thanks for the HT antenna worx - picked up the Long Ranger at HRO for a big SOTA activation coming up and gave you the credit - you get a commission, no?!? Cheers!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good luck on the activation! Let us know how it goes!

[@theodorepeterson1658]

OMG this is hilarious. More skits please. Also, just got my Winlink working with th-d75 because of your video explaining how to do it. so happy to be following this community. You guys have built a great, informative channel and supportive community

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@MR-nl8xr]

​ @HamRadioCrashCourse FYI: Your Cheap Meshtastic Starter Device is currently unavailable.

[@AllFouRoux]

I am doing my part by liking and commenting to help this video get more reach and hopefully inspire a new horde of HAMs.

[@MikeN2MAK]

Fantastic job with this video.

[@NickFrom1228]

That Wouxun 935G is a good radio. But since we are talking a potential shtf scenario I would recommend the sister radio to that one: UV9GX+. Mark at Better Safe Radios has helped create these and preloads them with almost 1000 frequencies already setup. Good unit. A little more expensive but a very good rig.

[@montereybayarealatinmass2363]

Great video, thanks

[@rpMiller3]

You crack me up... This is great info too. thx.

[@fergiebiker]

Just bought a Mobilinkd last night. I live in an APRS dead zone, but there’s a lot of activity south of me in Louisville, so we’ll see.

[@BenshobbyStuff]

people are going to be sooooo screwed when the internet goes down. my coms revolve around the internet going down so should be good. hope you do the same mate.. love the shows you produce. keep up the hard work buddy :)

[@janiceemery2008]

Fantastic video Josh. There should be no reasons why someone should not be prepared for a comms down situation. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Thank you for the presentation Josh.

[@redrustyhill2]

Nobody i know has the time and money to be "prepared" in every aspect, especially buying expensive radio equipment and time learning/getting licensed

[@RustyZipper]

People who don’t have “time / money” as they stare for hours at their $1300 iPhone … same people who don’t have guns, generators, gasoline and 2 weeks of food & water nor cash at hand

[@redrustyhill2]

@RustyZipper typical dipshite response. I have a years worth of basic food items More guns/ammo than most. Generator. Fuel. My phone is 2 years old and only reason it isn't 6 years old because my last phone was no longer compatible with the system, and no, its not an iphone. So......wtf is your point? I have too much going on to have time to learn a new hobby. I dont even have a "team" to communicate with, so radio gear is pretty much pointless.

[@DMF716]

My phone went down in March then last week. Glad im a General class license and radioed up. I also have a program too thats a means to text and send like your doing

[@stuartnaulty6821]

Great video!

[@nedlyest]

For local communication, i have a couple baofang hand helds. The number of channels they can connect to is pretty cool.

[@TrashPanda2801]

What’s funny is I was getting back into the comms side of stuff a couple weeks before the outage. Actually my neighborhood had a fiber cable issue at the same time so I was in an entire communications blackout, only thing I had was my radios and SDR. Definitely shows the importance of having backup communications.

[@JacTriper]

Best video that explains everything...

[@WW_SHTFF_WW]

Bub...do some shows on how to use HAM radio in SHTFF for the unlicensed. Not how to broadcast, but how to listen to the chatter / news.

[@RustyZipper]

Bub… do some research on the local repeaters in your area. Punch in those frequencies and find out when they have local “nets” to hear which repeaters you can receive. If you think when SHTF you are just going to turn your radio on and catch the action like you would a CB you are in for a smile turned upside down ☹️

[@netnhamradio]

Ham radio to the rescue (and landlines too!) Had no issues, and use my landline more than cell honestly (I'm old fashioned I know), and yes, I'm in my 20s. Also, it's good to just not rely totally on electronic communications and be addicted to them. Word of mouth and listening to broadcast TV and radio is pretty adequate. Remember only in the last 150 years have people been able to telecommunicate.

[@DoctorPrepperMD]

Started with GMRS. Now getting into Meshtastic. Will get HAM one day. Recent events had me go through all my radios and contents of my “faraday box” today. I’m all set. Base station. Several HT’s and a small suitcase GMRS repeater if needed. CountyComm SW radio. What are your thoughts on the “Ghostnet”??

[@DonzLockz]

Why hasn't your twin brother got his tech licence yet?😂 Very clever, inspiring and entertaining.👍

[@n9go]

I remember Christmas morning of 2020 when that crazy guy blew himself up next to the ATT building in Nashville. I live in Murfreesboro and had just woken up around 10AM, first thing I noticed was my phone not connected to the home internet. Thought it was normal, our router isn't the best thing and sometimes just goes down. I decided to check the cellular to find that was offline too and I started to question what was actually going on. I turned to my NOAA Weather Radio to listen to the morning forecast in spite of the internet being down. When I turned my radio on to 162.55MHz I heard nothing but static. That was when I genuinely started to worry if something huge had happened. I grabbed my baofeng and listened to an FM talk station to listen about the crazy dude and his RV and felt relieved it wasn't a huge national emergency. Man it was quite scary not hearing NWR at all on during this and also makes me frustrated as to why NWR uses phone lines to begin with.

[@danddiversified8477]

Thanks Brother!

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Nice explanation for non Radio Amateurs who have woken up due to the national outage, God bless.

[@kourgath007]

Total number of folks affected was roughly 1.7 million subscribers. The originally reported 74K came from folks that reported via Down Detector.

[@truthmirage]

Shared. On a side note ? Wondering if Chirp software for baofeng ht’s offers tnc capability and if so,would there be a techie way to access Meshtastic side of things through the Chirp software ? Great stuff man. Should have never let ticket expire ! Take care

[@douglasrobinson5452]

Thanks I just ordered the meshtastic nodes, just wondering the bluetooth range is so I can see if I can put a solar node on roof.

[@user-qm7ds4dy9z]

Great video

[@GMRStwowayradio]

Two cans and a string always works!!! Well, unless you have an "execution of an incorrect process" someone cuts the string! 🙂

[@JD144-]

Enjoyed the video, lots of good info. The part where I’ve really messed up is the part where your wife goes to work and you’re at home. Could you please explain how I can make that happen? 😃

[@piquat1]

Fishing, I went fishing. Happened this summer, major fiber cut. Couldn't even call to see what happened, internet went out too. Two catfish rods and a lawn chair.

[@AskIveSolar]

I wish the mesh tastic could create an umbrella and two devices could connect instead of needing two nodes. This would be relatively close range comms but my wife are usually very close to each other in our day to day. Think like in a shopping mall or cruise ship. I know that's not what this video is about but I love the idea of meshtastic

[@amazingpower2761]

Adding a few things here. The Maui disaster was silenced, no broadcast radio working there. I would also highly recommend getting a simple solar setup.. power will definitely be shut off.

[@ghostmandka5498]

Nice shirt! Thats a gotta have right there!

[@kevinb4783]

nice Josh!

[@FM-Patriot]

Great video. I am studying for my license now! Very excited to learn more about HAM radio. I am calling this now!..... That cell outage was an intentional test run for the powers that be.... something big is coming this year. Just sayin.

[@smoberdeen]

I'd like to see Mike's response to, "APRS is the BEST mode." 🤣😂

[@robertdaniello5717]

Bro cause of you on fieldcraft I got my license, even bought the Kenwood TD? Life hit me and I've been doing nothing to get started delving into the HAM lifestyle...any suggestions. I know your channel is loaded with suggestions...im in Naples FLA

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Definitely review my “are you new to radio, start here” playlist and consider finding a local club.

[@unwin42]

That 4th wall look omg

[@southlouisianapatriots9400]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a desk so full of awesome, I can't see the surface.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We’re reorganizing. 🤣

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Working on my communication network and keep doing it

[@floridaguy1133]

I don't really have much experience with radio in general mostly cb and frs but I'd like to get into gmrs some and after some research I do know there's a repeater within a mile or two from my house would a handheld work in my case to cover more distance?

[@MichaelLeo]

and the Oscar goes too......

[@lyfandeth]

I've used a "spaghetti whip" like your orange one. Outstanding, except it creates a lot of picket fencing as it whips around if you are in motion. Inherent problem?

[@APR1125]

Maybe outside the wheelhouse, but random question. I've got a couple Ailunce GMRS radios, and they work fine with my Baofeng GMRS/FRS radios on channels 1-16... however when I try to communicate to my Motorola T5000's (old models), they can TX & RX just fine, however the Motorola's ALWAYS have constant static/squelch after TX or RX for the first time... none of my other radios do this except the Motorola's, and I've tried playing with all the QT settings and the privacy tones... any ideas what's going on with them? Thanks bud

[@davidanddavidstrading]

we need this.

[@patthesoundguy]

There is a reason why I am currently taking the amateur radio course here where I live in Nova Scotia, Canada... After a hurricane or ice storm where the power is out for 24 hours straight or thereabouts, we lose a bunch of telephone and internet and even many trunked radio networks used by emergency services in many areas because the batteries die on cell towers and at internet boosters on utility poles. Flash back to hurricane Fiona when a lot of comms went dead, the only source of information I had was by listening to my local 2-meter repeater network on my newly acquired UV-5R. They link up to all of the maritime provinces and everyone gives reports. Even many broadcast radio stations had close to zero information because they also had no phone or internet service, and no access to listen to amateur radio, so they were broadcasting music and then saying they had no new information. I want to be part of the action when it comes to helping share information when regular forms of communication are down. I'm very excited to take the exam next month.

[@dudeh9702]

Great intro video! How cool would it be to have a helium balloon with 100-199 foot tether attached to your house during emergencies with a solar-equipped Meshtastic device?

[@avatargunner6776]

Can't lie I definitely got some backups for communication but to be honest I really wish the internet cell phone towers and everything would go down for quite a while all this new technology has made people lazy. Used to be you'd have to drive somewhere if you wanted to see and talk to people or just use your house phone now it's everybody's nose is down into their phones and no one really communicate. Love your channel though keep it up

[@audiomaker1]

Seems that the gov’ and FCC and the cell carriers could work out a “mode” where local operating cell towers would work such as Meshtastic does during a crisis (compartment the system).

[@elio9207]

Can you do a video for walki talkie best test brand for long range.❤

[@ronlongwellphoto]

Great video, Josh. I'm trying to figure out the best way to maintain communicate with my wife, who works 22 miles away from me (and does not have an amateur radio license) , in the event that cell service and internet is down. Meshtastic won't work, obviously (too far). I guess in an "emergency" she'd be able to use a GT-5R and tap into a repeater or two. Are there any good options?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Likely mobile radios with vehicle mounted antennas. If your home location has a “as high as possible” antenna with 50 watt transceiver you should be ok geography permitting.

[@Aramalas]

The outage happened during a windstorm that was peaking around 90mph. I was at work and we just assumed a tower got smoked.

[@lastsupper6968]

Need help I picked up the tiny sa 2 inch screen and there's no headphone jack is there any other way I can LISTIN to it as the tiny sa ultra has a headphone jack but I don't want to spend x3 the cash for it.

[@Robert-cd5zr]

Can you use APRS to bridge meshtastic networks (in the absence of internet), like a cross-band repeater?

[@Starlite123]

I use my Magic Jack. Got it 2007 from Radio Shack and just needs an intenet/WiFi connection.

[@introvertincognito4518]

What do you suggest radio wise , hand held for multiple houses in case of Grid Down scenario for NEWBS?

[@derek3376]

I like the Watt's up shirt!

[@fuzzebeara]

Josh. Great, great channel. I’m 78yo, a Tech Lic & Very unsteady with my hands. I’d like to get a plug& play setup to access the Winlink Sys, especially the East Coast reflectors. Can you direct me to a company or site that handles such a thing?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There really isn't anything like that. Almost any HF radio can work Winlink, and it only takes poking around in a computer and some connections to make it work.

[@Silvertarian]

Lol that look was either, "hey guys, layer your communications." or "My wife has never said that."

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes.

[@atlantaswelder]

Fulton County Service were down same day they use Oracle who is a CiA contractor.

[@user-pg2bj7rv1t]

I have a Pair of Yeas fT-65's that I like very much. Those are my Everyday Carry Radios. I will also loan them out to 2 other Hams I work with during an Emergency. At that point I will pick up either MY VX-6 or VX-8, depending on the situation. My wife has an FT-4 in her car. I do NOT like to tote my VX-8 around for everyday use: The reasons are A-They don't make the VX-8 anymore. B. It would cost a Fortune to buy a used one-IF YOU COULD FIND ONE! C. I have an ARMY MARS Licensed and my VX-8 has ALL OF THE BELLS & WHISTLES. THAT Radio is an INVESTMENT, and I am extremely protective of it. Another TACTICAL reason I carry the FT-65 around is that it is not a tempting a target for theft that my VX-8 may be!

[@kylekotraba7418]

reminds me of the tour video in jurassic park…”hello john”, “oh hello john”