The Amateur Radio bands above 50 MHz can support computer-to-computer communications at speeds high enough to support multimedia applications--voice, data and image communications. Hams call this HSMM—high speed multimedia. Shannon's theorem can be used to prove the unsuitability of lower bands for HSMM--either there isn't enough bandwidth or you can't get enough SNR across a useful propagation path.

Most importantly, hams can repurpose WiFi equipment to create a Mesh Network for Emergency Communications messaging.  But, doing so is sufficiently hard that you need to experiment and practice. You can't expect to look at a video and some online articles and get a network going in preparation for an imminent disaster--you won't have the time to create a functional network.

• "Nontraditional Field Day? You Bet! (HSMM)," (Eclectic Technology) Steve Ford, WB8IMY, QST, November 2006.

• "The Hinternet and OpenHSMM," (Eclectic Technology), Steve Ford, WB8IMY, QST, July 2006.

• "28 kbps to 9 Mbps UHF Modems for Amateur Radio Stations," John B. Stephensen, KD6OZH, QEX, March 2005.

• "IEEE 802.11 Experiments in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley," Fordham, David, KD9LA, QST, July 2005.

• "HSMM Radio Equipment," John Champa, K8OCL, and John B. Stephensen, KD6OZH, QEX, November 2004.

• "High Speed Multimedia Radio," Kris L. Mraz, N5KM, QST, April 2003.

• "HSMM Experiments on the 6M Amateur Band," Progress Report on VHF OFDM Modem submitted by John B. Stephensen, KD6OZH.

• "Using IEEE 802.11B Operating Under Part 97 of the FCC Rules," by Walt DuBose, K5YFW, et al.

Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network or AREDN ®
How to create a Mesh Network for Emergency Communications Messaging.

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