Any reason it hasn't migrated over to IPv6 and 44/8 returned to the
free pool?
Old software, efficiency (lots of the embedded low power
hardware), no need to as 44. is all the space needed. Lots
of other reasons I don't know
When it started it was quite advanced, it was pretty much the only IP
in the UK in the mid 80s. For some ISPs UK dial up Internet access
started out using software developed for ampr
Google and KA9Q - Wikipedia
have more details for those wondering.
brandon
If a municipality is going to set up a city wide 802.11 network
someone is going to have to keep an eye on all of the radio gear. HAMs
have the skills ... but what is the motivation?
Set up a separate SSID exclusively for HAM use. Use IPsec AH -
cryptographically signed traffic keeps the unlicensed out without
breaking the no payload encryption requirements. City gets help with the
civil defense radio of the 21st century, HAMs get a new toy, and
everyone is happy. Sure, there are security concerns, but the interface
to the outside world is a proxy server HAMs can use while doing storm
watch and such ... nobody gets in or out without a note from the FCC ...
Or am I making this just a bit too simple?
The hams might be OK on it. The city probably won't be thrilled unless
you can find a way to get their legal staff to sign off on it. Remember,
most lawyers aren't geeks, and will judge a proposal on a different basis
than geeks do.
I think based on the way things are going the city will be just fine
with it 
Of course, if I had a nickel for every time I've had this
theoretical discussion I'd jingle when I walk, so we'll see how it plays
out.