Commercial radio communications have evolved from islands of single-media, low-datarate "dumb" analog repeaters to interconnections of multiplexed, high-speed, self-optimizing multimedia networks. Due to budgetary and legacy reasons, many amateur radio systems have not changed notably in the last decades. Unwilling to let this great hobby (and emergency resource) atrophy, the dedicated VA4WAN group is installing a High-Speed MultiMedia "HAMWAN" around and beyond Winnipeg, repurposing donated 2.4/5.8ghz outdoor Wi-Fi gear into the 2.3/5.9Ghz amateur radio frequency bands. This presentation introduces the amateur radio hobby, the VA4WAN project's goals, methods, current status and future plans. Involved in many Winnipeg technology communities, businesses and projects since a young age, Colin has very in-depth experience in all aspects of networking, PCs and long-distance/rural wireless networks.