No, it really isn't. And this is not really up for discussion: it's on the test (question VA102 in .de). So don't take my word for it, read the ITU definition a

No, it really isn't. And this is not really up for discussion: it's on the test (question VA102 in .de). So don't take my word for it, read the ITU definition at http://life.itu.int/radioclub/rr/art01.htm http://life.itu.int/radioclub/rr/art01.htm: """amateur service: A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations[...]""" Emergency communication is important, but ham radios other purposes are at least equally important. Society profits just as much from people getting into and experimenting with RF, or from communication between peoples. Also, it is generally understood that amateur radios role in disaster scenarios is to support official emergency responders, not itself be "societies backup". It's not about being independent of the state (I'm not implying you said that); quite the opposite. Contest rules are made by whoever organized the contest - typically the International Amateur Radio Union or a national or regional group. These are democratic and composed of hams. Besides, it isn't just a matter of rules, it's a matter of physics too. Contests are mostly about long-range (DX) communication. Disaster recovery needs reliable short- and mid-range communication. Different bands and/or different antennas.