Emergency Packet is a special interest group within the NCPA concerned with the development and operation of packet networks for emergency communications. Members include individuals and organizations participating in an ARES, RACES and other official emergency communications support organizations.
The EP-SIG performs frequency coordination for EP frequencies. This helps to insure maximum link performance within networks while minimzing interference between neighboring systems.
The Emergency Packet designation is given to frequencies used by packet systems intended for emergency use, but available for general use when an emergency or drill is not in progress. Most EP-designated channels are used by a variety of packet applications, including BBS (such as JNOS), Winlink (WL2K), and TNC-based mailboxes (PBBSs) and nodes. Systems may be interconnected and shared by multiple organizations. For that reason, frequency coordination and sysop cooperation are essential.