Amateur Radio is established by international agreement and practiced by millions of enthusiasts all over the world. In the U.S. alone there are hundreds of thousands of citizens licensed as amateurs by the Federal Communications Commission after completing tests in theory and regulations.

Some Amateur Radio operators are attracted by the ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, or even with astronauts on space missions. Some like the convenience of a technology that gives them portable communication where no other communication is readily available. Others may like to build and experiment with electronics.

The term "amateur" is indicates that the amateur radio communications are not allowed to be made for profit or for commercial purposes and is not a reflection on the skills of the participants, which are often quite advanced; rather, "amateur".

The University of Pennsylvania Amateur Radio Club, founded as the Wireless Club of the University of Pennsylvania in 1909, promotes radio education, fraternalism and individual operating efficiency, while advancing the general interest and welfare of amateur radio among the alumni, faculty, staff and students.