Amateur radio often called Ham radio, is a hobby and public service enjoyed by about 3 million people] throughout the world. An amateur radio operator, also known as a ham or radio amateur, uses advanced radio equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public service, recreation and self-training.

Amateur radio operators have personal wireless communications with friends, family members, and even complete strangers. They support the community with emergency and disaster communications. Increasing a person's knowledge of electronics and radio theory and radio contesting are also popular.

The birth of amateur radio and radio in general was mostly associated with various amateur experimenters. Throughout its history, amateur radio enthusiasts have made significant contributions to science, engineering, industry, and social services. Research by amateur radio operators has founded new industries, built economies, empowered nations, and saved lives in times of emergency.

Many amateurs also enjoy setting up and contacting special event stations. Set up to commemorate special occurrences, they often issue distinctive QSLs or certificates. Some use unusual prefixes, such as the call signs with "96" that amateurs in the US State of Georgia could use during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, or the OO prefix used by Belgian amateurs in 2005 to commemorate their nation's 175th anniversary. Some events are held annually such as Guides on the Air and Jamboree on the Air. Many amateurs decorate their radio "shacks" (the room where they keep their radios) with these certificates.

Round table discussion groups :

Many Amateur radio operators enjoy participating in round table discussion groups or "Rag Chew Sessions" on the air. These discussion groups have been a mainstay of Amateur radio since its inception. Round table discussion groups are often configured to allow the conversation to pass from one participant to another. The participants spend time developing and presenting their thoughts as the conversation passes from one person to another much as conversation would flow at a dinner table. The conversation usually revolves around topics related to radio, however, there is no limit to their scope.