HAM should still work as it is a direct connection... from one radio to another.

Cell phones rely on satellite and powered towers. Same with computers, etc. Even some brands on handheld "all purpose" walky-talkies and CB's use the cell towers without a direct link transmission...

So if SHTF, SW/HAM and it's descendants may be the only way to communicate long distance... unless we use smoke signals, HAHA.