PeterR,

I also was never interested in some of the traditional HAM stuff. Long distance contacts for points, exchanging contact cards, etc. I was primarily interested in emergency backcountry communications. My climbing friend and I were involved in an accident that sparked my interest. A radio would have saved many hours in contacting SAR and let our friends and family know our fate.

The HAM bands are just about the only compreshensive radio frequencies available....the burden of licensing is the major issue with their use.

We have not yet experienced the issues between radio clubs and repeater owners that cthompson notes for the East Coast, but we are seeing fewer and fewer active repeater members.

I think it would be good to have a National HF band(s) for general population emergency use. I could only see these frequencies being allocated from amateur bands, which would probably cause all sorts of complaints from a dying breed. I think involving people would be better.

The FRS radios are used by tons of people from shopping malls to ski hills. The range allows all kinds of operators but is too limited to be of much service in the backcountry. Interference and poor operation of these radios is common, but at least people are interested.

New Zealand's example may be the future for the US....but I doubt it.