Koraput: Ham radio, a two-way radio communication method dating back to the early 20th century, continues to remain a crucial tool for emergency communication during natural calamities. Known for their resilience, ham radio operators -- or "hams" -- use radio frequencies to send and receive messages, often when conventional communication infrastructure fails. However, for cyclone Dana, the network was not put to use given that the communication network was functioning for a large part during and after the landfall. "It comes to use when all other channels of traditional communication networks fail," said Sunil Biswal, a ham operator in Sunabeda, Koraput district. Amateur Radio popularly called ham radio is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.