Ham Radio Bands: Frequency Ranges, Propagation Types, and Amateur Radio Allocations

Introduction

Ham radio, or amateur radio, uses a wide range of frequencies for communication. Even non-licensed users can listen to these transmissions using radio receivers or scanners. Many frequency bands across the radio spectrum are allocated specifically for amateur radio use.

Amateur radio operators can work on frequencies ranging from just above the AM broadcast band to the gigahertz range. Many ham bands are located between the AM radio band (around 1.6 MHz) and just above the citizens band (27 MHz).

15 to 27 MHz is suitable for long-distance communication during the day.
1.6 to 15 MHz is ideal for long-distance communication at night.

These bands are historically known as short-wave bands. Unlike FM radio and TV frequencies, which are mostly limited to line-of-sight transmission, short-wave signals can bounce off the ionosphere, allowing communication over very long distances.

Some amateur operators use Morse code, while others use voice communication. Morse code often succeeds when voice transmissions fail because it requires less bandwidth. Many digital modes are also used, enabling communication through radio modems and networks.

Propagation and Ham Radio Bands

Radio signals travel through different types of propagation. The main types include:

Ground Wave Propagation

This type of propagation is common in the low-frequency (LF) portion of the spectrum. Signals follow the Earth’s surface, allowing them to be detected beyond the horizon. It is commonly used by long-wave and medium-wave broadcast stations.

Ionospheric Propagation

Ionospheric propagation mainly affects short-wave bands. Signals reflect from the ionosphere, allowing communication over long distances. This also affects the lower part of the VHF spectrum.

Tropospheric Propagation

This type of propagation affects frequencies above 30 MHz Under certain atmospheric conditions, signals can travel much farther than normal, creating long-distance communication opportunities.

Ham Radio Bands

Amateur radio bands are available across almost the entire radio spectrum.

136 kHz LF Ham Band

The 136 kHz band is the lowest frequency amateur band. Although not allocated in all countries, it is popular among experimenters interested in LF operation.

Because of the very narrow bandwidth, Morse code is commonly used. Many operators use extremely slow Morse code, narrow filters, and digital signal processing techniques. Data transmissions are also used, but at low data rates.

HF Ham Bands

There are nine HF amateur bands allocated worldwide, with slight variations depending on the country.

Amateur Band (metres)	UK Allocation (MHz)	USA Allocation (MHz)
160	1.810 – 2.000	1.800 – 2.000
80	3.500 – 3.800	3.500 – 4.000
40	7.000 – 7.200	7.000 – 7.300
30	10.100 – 10.150	10.100 – 10.150
20	14.100 – 14.350	14.100 – 14.350
17	18.068 – 18.168	18.068 – 18.168
15	21.000 – 21.450	21.000 – 21.450
12	24.890 – 24.990	24.890 – 24.990
10	28.000 – 29.700	28.000 – 29.700

VHF Ham Radio Bands

The VHF bands are user-friendly, with compact equipment and small antennas. Many operators install VHF radios in vehicles or small home stations.

Band	UK Allocation (MHz)	USA Allocation (MHz)
6 meters	50.00 – 52.00	50.00 – 54.00
4 meters	70.00 – 70.50	No allocation
2 meters	144.00 – 146.00	144.00 – 148.00
1.25 meters	No allocation	219.00 – 220.00 / 222.00 – 225.00

Each VHF band has its own characteristics depending on propagation conditions, equipment availability, and allocation size.

UHF Ham Radio Bands

UHF amateur bands provide a different operating environment compared to HF bands. Equipment is compact, antennas are small, and installations are usually simple.

Band	UK Allocation (MHz)	USA Allocation (MHz)
70 cm	430.00 – 440.00	420.00 – 450.00
33 cm	No allocation	902.00 – 928.00
23 cm	1240 – 1325	1240 – 1300
13 cm	2310 – 2450	2300 – 2310 / 2390 – 2450

Each VHF and UHF band has unique characteristics based on propagation, equipment, and allocation differences. The 70-centimetre band is one of the most popular UHF amateur bands worldwide.

Conclusion

Ham radio bands cover a wide range of frequencies across the radio spectrum. Each band offers unique propagation characteristics and communication possibilities. From long-distance HF communication to short-range VHF and UHF operations, amateur radio provides a versatile platform for experimentation, communication, and technical learning.