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DELIVERY.NTS (7/89) Handling third party traffic is the oldest tradition in Amateur Radio. This is most valuable during disasters. Nationwide the National Traffic System (NTS) has hundreds of local and section nets meeting daily in order to facilitate the delivery and origination of such messages. This system functions on a daily basis as positive public service for fellow hams and the general public. It serves another function as well. The NTS provides a well oiled and trained national system of experienced traffic handlers able to handle large volumes of third party traffic accurately and efficiently during disasters. At least that is the goal. More and more of this traffic is being originated, relayed, and delivered on packet. The following concentrates on the procedure of delivering a third party message. Of course, we encourage all originating stations to give a complete address as possible including a telephone number; but this is not always possible and is not a requirement. We have seen disaster related NTS traffic as well as everyday NTS traffic be delivered with as little information as the first and last name and the city. Here are some "preferred" procedures to effect the goal: USING TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES AND DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE If the message doesn't have a phone number check the phone book. (Be sure to check for "close" or alternative spelling possibilities due to possible errors or typos). Then call 411 and repeat (especially necessary for new listings). Granted this second step may cost the operator 25 cents, but we feel that this is well worth it for the benefit of Amateur Radio. Many stations refuse to spend even 25 cents at this stage. We can't force them to do it, as NTS is a volunteer system, so they can refuse to accept the message. However, it is considered a minimum procedure for a NTS station to do. MAILING AND HAND DELIVERING MESSAGES If no phone number can be obtained, a good NTS operator will deliver the message by hand to the address given (if it is reasonably close to your QTH). In the case of PO Boxes or addresses too far away, it is recommended that the message be mailed in ARRL radiogram forms, stating the reason for mailing (Mailed because no phone number given or listed). SERVICING MESSAGES If the message can not be delivered via the phone or dropped off directly at the destination QTH, mailing is not required only preferred. One is permitted to service the message back to the originator found in the NTS preamble (not necessarily the same station who first put the message onto packet). All that is necessary is to read the station of origin and place of origin and put that in the address field, i.e., W1PEX Nashua NH. The message may be sent to NTSNH @ NTSNH if no zipcode is known. Normally this type of addressing is sufficient in NTS as originating station are usually known at the local or section net level; however more complete addressing is often possible by using an up-to- date callbook. Also a zipcode can be found even without a callbook using a decent zipcode book. Many times NTS can get a message delivered even when the phone number is not known at the originating end through the judicious use of local telephone directories and alternate spellings. We do strongly advise all originating stations to give as a complete an address as possible and it is left to the discretion of the delivery operator to what extent he/she will be able to put forth the necessary effort to get the message delivered. Obviously there would be a difference in how one would treat a disaster message versus a simple "Welcome to the QCWA" message. Regardless, it is often cleaner and of greater service to simply mail the message as the worse case, rather than service it back to the originator. Some so called "junk" messages actually contain the optional handling instruction HXG in the preamble, which reads: "Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other expense is involved, cancel message and service originating station". The rules are a little vague as to when a message can be serviced. We must be sensitive to the fact that the whole system is a volunteer, and that we cannot force deliveries. What we must be strongly opposed to is the destruction of messages. In other words, if the message cannot be delivered, it should not be accepted. If it is accepted it must be delivered or serviced back telling the originator the reason it is undeliverable. If there is no one at a local BBS who is willing to deliver a NTS message via mail, then the NTS packet manager at that BBS, should service the originator, telling them: "Message undeliverable because no phone number given or listed". Likewise, if only a Post Office Box is given a telephone may be able to be obtained through the directory or 411. Lately we see many so called NTS operators on local and section nets refusing to deliver messages that do not have phone numbers. This practice is abhorrent to many old timers. A good NTS operator will take the message and do all he/she can do to find a way to deliver it. Don't accept it unless you are willing to deliver it or service it. In servicing a message, you can best be succinct using the ARL sixty seven message which reads, "Your message number____ undeliverable because of____. Please advise." An example could be: NR 123 R W6ABC ARL 20 Podunk Hollow CA Sep 16 W1PEX Nashua NH BT ARL sixty seven 123 phone number incorrect no listing 73 BT Joe W6ABC ar This message tells W1PEX, a well known NTS operator in Nashua New Hampshire, that his message number 123 was undeliverable and why. W1PEX has the option of sending W6ABC a corrected phone number, if available, or of cancelling the message. If W6ABC doesn't hear from W1PEX in a few weeks he can assume that the message can be filed. DELIVERING MESSAGES ON THE TELEPHONE Be friendly, clear, and pleasant. Assume that the recipient knows nothing about Amateur Radio. Assuage their fear about any costs. A good opening may be as follows. "Hello Mrs. Smith? This is an Amateur Radio operator here in Podunk Hollow and I have a radiogram message to you from you from your Uncle in Iowa Flats. It is dated Sept. 15 and is for you and Mr. Smith. It reads...read the text now...signed, Uncle Herbert." Pause here for any response. Usually you will get profuse thanks. Sometimes questions on how the message was relayed or questions about Amateur Radio. If the person who received the message seems to be a bit stunned or apprehensive, you might ask if she understood the message and if she would like to send a message back to Uncle Herbert. Explain that the service is free and is a public service of Amateur Radio. Remember to get as a complete an address as possible for any replies, including a telephone number, if possible. Thinking of yourself as an ambassador from Amateur Radio often helps. DELIVERING A MESSAGE VIA MAIL OK, if all else fails, mail it; but make it neat. You can get ARRL radiogram blanks from the ARRL in pads or in post card form at most good ham radio stores or from ARRL Headquarters (see "QST Magazine"). Otherwise, make it look professional by typing it. Give your home phone number and address if they have questions. Explain that this message is a free public service of Amateur Radio. Lastly, thanks to you who are willing to do something in return for Amateur Radio. It is YOU who make NTS work.