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IARU Region 1 Frequency Recommendations

This reference summarizes the IARU Region 1 band-plan frequency recommendations. IARU band plans are operating recommendations; German legal privileges, power limits, bandwidth limits, and allocations still come from AFuV Anlage 1 and BNetzA notices.

Sources checked May 26, 2026:

Bold entries are directly referenced by exam questions in the BNetzA catalog, mainly BC201 to BC222, BE410, and BF109.

General Recommendations

Recommendation Details Questions
Band plans are recommendations They are intended to help all radio amateurs share spectrum efficiently. BC201
SSB sideband below 10 MHz Lower sideband (LSB) is recommended below 10 MHz. BC202
SSB sideband above 10 MHz Upper sideband (USB) is recommended above 10 MHz. The 5 MHz band is an exception where USB is recommended. BC203
CW usage CW is accepted across all bands except beacon segments. IARU tables still place the usual CW/preferred narrowband ranges near the beginning of each band. BC204
Contest-free HF bands Contest activity should not take place on 5, 10, 18, and 24 MHz.
Unmanned transmitting stations Unmanned stations and operation involving unmanned stations must follow the band-plan frequency and bandwidth limits.

Study Patterns

Pattern How to use it in questions
CW and very narrow modes live low in the band When an answer asks about Morsetelegrafie, MGM, or narrow digital modes, first check the lower edge of the band: 144.025-144.150 MHz on 2 m, 432.000-432.100 MHz on 70 cm, and the first HF segments.
SSB is above the CW/narrow area, but still below FM On 2 m, SSB sits around 144.150-144.400 MHz and the centre is 144.300 MHz. On 70 cm, SSB is around 432.100-432.400 MHz and the centre is 432.200 MHz.
Beacon areas are protected and not for normal QSOs On 2 m, 144.400-144.490 MHz is beacons. On 70 cm, 432.400-432.490 MHz is beacons. HF has tiny International Beacon Project windows around 14, 18, 21, 24, and 28 MHz.
FM calling frequencies are easy anchors Analog FM calling is 145.500 MHz on 2 m and 433.500 MHz on 70 cm. Digital voice calling is 145.375 MHz on 2 m and 433.450 MHz on 70 cm.
Repeater outputs are higher than simplex on 2 m and high on 70 cm 2 m repeater outputs start at 145.575 MHz, so the exam's 145.600 MHz example is already in the repeater-output block. The exam's 439.200 MHz example is in the 70 cm repeater-output block.
Satellite and space ranges are high in the VHF/UHF examples The top of 2 m is space/satellite: 145.794-145.806 MHz is space communication and 145.806-146.000 MHz is satellite exclusive. 435-438 MHz is satellite service on 70 cm.
SSB sideband rule is split at 10 MHz Below 10 MHz use LSB; above 10 MHz use USB. Memorize: 80 m is LSB, 20 m is USB.
Emergency centres are memorable roundish HF numbers 3760, 7110, 14300, 18160, and 21360 kHz are the IARU Region 1/global emergency centres used in the question catalog.

HF Band Plan

135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 m, LF, Langwelle)

This is a very narrow experimental long-wave band. Activity is mostly CW, QRSS, WSPR-style weak-signal work, and careful propagation experiments. Antennas are physically difficult at this wavelength, so efficient stations are rare and signals are often weak; ground-wave and night-enhanced propagation matter more than ordinary shortwave-style operation.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
135.7-137.8 kHz 200 Hz CW, QRSS, and narrow-band digital modes

472-479 kHz (630 m, MF, Mittelwelle)

This medium-wave band is mainly used for CW and narrow digital modes. Daytime contacts tend to rely on ground-wave coverage, while night-time conditions can open longer paths. Like 2200 m, it rewards patient weak-signal operating and efficient antenna systems.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
472-475 kHz 200 Hz CW
475-479 kHz 500 Hz suggested CW and digital modes

1.8 MHz (160 m, MF, Mittelwelle)

The 160 m band is often called top band. It behaves partly like medium wave and partly like HF: local or regional coverage is possible, but serious DX is usually a night-time project. Noise levels can be high, so CW and narrow modes at the low end are especially important.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
1810-1838 kHz 200 Hz CW; 1836 kHz CW QRP centre of activity
1838-1840 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes
1840-1843 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes
1843-2000 kHz 2700 Hz All modes

3.5 MHz (80 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 80 m band is a workhorse for regional HF communication, especially in the evening and at night. It is useful for nets, local-to-regional contacts, and emergency practice. For exam purposes, remember that SSB voice normally uses LSB here, CW and digital modes sit low in the band, and 3760 kHz is the Region 1 emergency centre.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
3500-3510 kHz 200 Hz CW; priority for intercontinental operation
3510-3560 kHz 200 Hz CW; 3555 kHz CW QRS centre
3560-3570 kHz 200 Hz CW; 3560 kHz CW QRP centre
3570-3580 kHz 200 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
3580-3590 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
3590-3600 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
3600-3620 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
3600-3650 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 3630 kHz digital voice centre of activity
3650-3700 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 3690 kHz SSB QRP centre
3700-3775 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 3735 kHz image centre; 3760 kHz Region 1 emergency centre of activity BF109
3775-3800 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; SSB contest preferred, priority for intercontinental operation

5 MHz (60 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 60 m band is a small, channel-like HF allocation with a reputation for reliable regional and NVIS-style communication. It can bridge the gap when 80 m is too low and 40 m is too long. Unlike the normal below-10-MHz sideband rule, USB is recommended for voice here.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
5351.5-5354.0 kHz 200 Hz CW and narrow-band modes
5354.0-5366.0 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; USB recommended for voice operation
5366.0-5366.5 kHz 20 Hz Weak-signal narrow-band modes

7 MHz (40 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 40 m band is one of the most useful all-round HF bands. It often gives regional coverage during the day and longer-distance contacts after dark. CW and digital modes are low in the band, SSB is higher, and 7110 kHz is the Region 1 emergency centre.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
7000-7040 kHz 200 Hz CW; 7030 kHz CW QRP centre
7040-7047 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
7047-7050 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
7050-7053 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
7053-7060 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes
7060-7100 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 7070 kHz digital voice centre; 7090 kHz SSB QRP centre
7100-7130 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 7110 kHz Region 1 emergency centre of activity BF109
7130-7175 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 7165 kHz image centre
7175-7200 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; SSB contest preferred, priority for intercontinental activity

10 MHz (30 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 30 m band is a narrow-band-focused WARC band. It is especially attractive for CW and digital DX because it is relatively quiet and contest activity is not recommended. Think of it as a precise, low-bandwidth band rather than a general voice band.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
10100-10130 kHz 200 Hz CW; 10116 kHz CW QRP centre
10130-10150 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes

14 MHz (20 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 20 m band is the classic daytime DX band and one of the first places many operators check for international contacts. SSB voice normally uses USB. The International Beacon Project sits near 14.100 MHz, and 14.300 MHz is a global emergency centre of activity.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
14000-14060 kHz 200 Hz CW; 14055 kHz QRS centre
14060-14070 kHz 200 Hz CW; 14060 kHz CW QRP centre
14070-14089 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
14089-14099 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
14099-14101 kHz - International Beacon Project; beacons exclusively BE410
14101-14112 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
14112-14125 kHz 2700 Hz All modes
14125-14300 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 14130 kHz digital voice centre; 14195 +/- 5 kHz priority for DXpeditions; 14230 kHz image centre; 14285 kHz SSB QRP centre
14300-14350 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 14300 kHz global emergency centre of activity BF109

18 MHz (17 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 17 m band is a WARC band between 20 m and 15 m. It often feels less crowded than the contest-heavy bands and can be excellent for DX when the ionosphere supports it. Expect CW and digital activity lower down and SSB higher up.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
18068-18095 kHz 200 Hz CW; 18086 kHz CW QRP centre
18095-18105 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
18105-18109 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
18109-18111 kHz - International Beacon Project; beacons exclusively BE410
18111-18120 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
18120-18168 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 18130 kHz SSB QRP centre; 18150 kHz digital voice centre; 18160 kHz emergency centre of activity BF109

21 MHz (15 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 15 m band is a daylight DX band that becomes much more lively when solar activity is good. When open, it can support strong worldwide signals with modest antennas. CW and digital modes sit low, SSB is higher, and 21.360 MHz is an emergency centre.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
21000-21070 kHz 200 Hz CW; 21055 kHz QRS centre; 21060 kHz QRP centre
21070-21090 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
21090-21110 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
21110-21120 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations, not SSB
21120-21149 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes
21149-21151 kHz - International Beacon Project; beacons exclusively BE410
21151-21450 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 21180 kHz digital voice centre; 21285 kHz SSB QRP centre; 21340 kHz image centre; 21360 kHz global emergency centre of activity BF109

24 MHz (12 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 12 m band is an upper-HF WARC band. It can be quiet for long periods and then suddenly open for excellent DX, especially in better solar conditions. The small beacon window near 24.930 MHz is useful for checking whether the band is alive.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
24890-24915 kHz 200 Hz CW; 24906 kHz CW QRP centre
24915-24925 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
24925-24929 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
24929-24931 kHz - International Beacon Project; beacons exclusively BE410
24931-24940 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
24940-24990 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 24950 kHz SSB QRP centre; 24960 kHz digital voice centre

28 MHz (10 m, HF, Kurzwelle)

The 10 m band is the top end of HF and can feel almost like VHF when closed, yet support worldwide ionospheric DX when solar activity is strong. It also has room for FM, repeaters, and satellite links, so it is more varied than most lower HF bands.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
28000-28070 kHz 200 Hz CW; 28055 kHz QRS centre; 28060 kHz QRP centre
28070-28120 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes
28120-28150 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
28150-28190 kHz 500 Hz Narrow-band modes
28190-28199 kHz - International Beacon Project; regional time-shared beacons exclusively BE410
28199-28201 kHz - International Beacon Project; worldwide time-shared beacons exclusively BE410
28201-28225 kHz - International Beacon Project; continuous-duty beacons exclusively BE410
28225-28300 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; beacons
28300-28320 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
28320-29000 kHz 2700 Hz All modes; 28330 kHz digital voice centre; 28360 kHz SSB QRP centre; 28680 kHz image centre
29000-29100 kHz unrestricted All modes
29100-29200 kHz unrestricted All modes; FM simplex, 10 kHz channels
29200-29300 kHz unrestricted All modes; digital modes and automatically controlled data stations
29300-29510 kHz unrestricted Satellite links
29510-29520 kHz - Guard channel
29520-29590 kHz 6000 Hz All modes; FM repeater input RH1-RH8
29600 kHz 6000 Hz All modes; FM calling channel
29610 kHz 6000 Hz All modes; FM simplex repeater/parrot input and output
29620-29700 kHz 6000 Hz All modes; FM repeater output RH1-RH8

VHF Band Plan

50 MHz (6 m, VHF, UKW)

The 6 m band is known as the magic band because it usually behaves like VHF, then suddenly produces surprising long-distance openings. Most everyday paths are line-of-sight, but sporadic-E, meteor scatter, aurora, and occasional F-layer propagation make it a favorite for propagation watchers.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
50.000-50.100 MHz 500 Hz Coordinated Beacon Project; telegraphy; 50.050 MHz centre of activity; 50.090 MHz intercontinental centre of activity
50.100-50.200 MHz 2700 Hz SSB and telegraphy; 50.100-50.130 MHz intercontinental; 50.110 MHz centre of activity; 50.130-50.200 MHz international; 50.150 MHz centre of activity
50.200-50.300 MHz 2700 Hz SSB and telegraphy; general use; 50.285 MHz crossband
50.300-50.400 MHz 2700 Hz Narrow-band modes and MGM; 50.305 MHz PSK centre; 50.310-50.320 MHz EME centre; 50.320-50.380 MHz MS centre
50.400-50.500 MHz 1000 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons exclusive; 50.401 MHz +/- 500 Hz WSPR beacons
50.500-52.000 MHz 12 kHz or local subplan All modes; SSTV, image, RTTY, digital communications, DV, FM/DV repeaters, FM/DV simplex, 51.510 MHz FM calling
52.000-54.000 MHz 500 kHz All modes

70 MHz (4 m, VHF, UKW)

The 4 m band is a VHF band with a mix of ordinary line-of-sight operation and interesting propagation such as sporadic-E and meteor scatter. Availability differs by country, so the band is less universal than 2 m or 70 cm.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
70.000-70.090 MHz 1000 Hz MGM and telegraphy; coordinated beacons
70.090-70.100 MHz 1000 Hz MGM and telegraphy; temporary and personal beacons; 70.091 MHz personal WSPR beacons
70.100-70.250 MHz 2700 Hz SSB, telegraphy, MGM; 70.185 MHz crossband centre; 70.200 MHz CW/SSB calling centre; 70.250 MHz MS centre
70.250-70.294 MHz 12 kHz AM and FM; 70.260 MHz AM/FM calling; 70.270 MHz MGM centre
70.294-70.500 MHz 12.5 kHz spacing FM channels; 70.3125 MHz digital communications; 70.3250 MHz digital communications; 70.4500 MHz FM calling; 70.4875 MHz digital communications

144 MHz (2 m, VHF, UKW)

The 2 m band is the everyday VHF band for many amateurs. The lower part is where weak-signal work, CW, narrow digital modes, and SSB live; FM simplex and repeaters are higher up; space and satellite activity sit at the top. This layout is heavily tested in the exam catalog.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
144.000-144.025 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; satellite downlink only
144.025-144.100 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; 144.050 MHz telegraphy centre of activity BC213
144.100-144.150 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; EME activity around 144.110-144.160 MHz BC214
144.150-144.400 MHz 2700 Hz MGM, telegraphy, and SSB; 144.195-144.205 MHz MS centre BC210
144.300 MHz 2700 Hz SSB centre of activity / calling frequency BC211
144.400-144.490 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons exclusive BC215
144.491-144.493 MHz - Personal weak-signal MGM / experimental MGM
144.500-144.794 MHz 20 kHz All modes; 144.500 MHz image; 144.600 MHz data; 144.750 MHz ATV
144.794-144.9625 MHz 12 kHz Digital communications
144.975-145.194 MHz 12 kHz FM/DV repeater input channels
145.194-145.206 MHz 12 kHz Space communication
145.206-145.5625 MHz 12 kHz FM/DV simplex channels; 145.2375, 145.2875, and 145.3375 MHz FM internet voice gateways BC209
145.375 MHz 12 kHz Digital voice calling BC207
145.500 MHz 12 kHz FM calling frequency BC205
145.525 MHz 12 kHz Narrow FM area; do not occupy more than about 12 kHz bandwidth BC216
145.575-145.7935 MHz 12 kHz FM/DV repeater output channels BC217
145.794-145.806 MHz 12 kHz Space communication BC218
145.806-146.000 MHz - Satellite exclusive

UHF Band Plan

430-440 MHz (70 cm, UHF, Dezimeterwelle)

The 70 cm band is the everyday UHF companion to 2 m. It is more line-of-sight and more affected by buildings and terrain, but antennas are smaller and repeaters, digital voice, and satellite work are common. Weak-signal activity is near 432 MHz, while 435-438 MHz is satellite territory.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
430.000-431.975 MHz 20 kHz All modes; subregional planning; FM repeater outputs, digital communications, multimode channels, repeater inputs
432.000-432.100 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; 432.050 MHz telegraphy centre of activity BC219
432.100-432.400 MHz 2700 Hz MGM, telegraphy, and SSB; 432.200 MHz SSB centre of activity; 432.350 MHz microwave talkback; 432.370 MHz meteor scatter BC212
432.400-432.490 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons exclusive BC220
432.191-432.193 MHz 500 Hz Experimental MGM
432.500-432.975 MHz 12 kHz All modes; 432.500 MHz new APRS frequency; 432.600-432.9875 MHz repeater input, Region 1 standard, 25 kHz spacing, 2 MHz shift
433.000-433.375 MHz 12 kHz FM / digital voice repeaters; repeater input, Region 1 standard, 25 kHz spacing, 1.6 MHz shift
433.400-433.575 MHz 12 kHz FM / digital voice; 433.400 MHz SSTV FM/AFSK
433.450 MHz 12 kHz Digital voice calling BC208
433.500 MHz 12 kHz FM calling BC206
433.600-434.000 MHz none All modes; 433.625-433.775 MHz digital communication channels; 434.000 MHz centre frequency of digital experiments
434.000-434.594 MHz 12 kHz All modes / ATV; 434.450-434.575 MHz digital communication channels
434.594-434.981 MHz 12 kHz All modes; 434.600-434.9875 MHz repeater output, 12.5 kHz spacing, 1.6 or 2 MHz shift
435.000-436.000 MHz none Satellite service BC221
436.000-438.000 MHz none Satellite service and DATV/data BC221
438.000-440.000 MHz none All modes; digital communication channels, repeater channels, multimode, links
438.650-439.425 MHz none Repeater output channels, 7.6 MHz shift BC222

1240-1300 MHz (23 cm, UHF, Dezimeterwelle)

The 23 cm band starts to feel like microwave operating while still being accessible to many stations. It is used for weak-signal work around 1296 MHz, repeaters, ATV/DATV, data links, and satellite segments. Directional antennas become small enough to be practical.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
1240.000-1240.500 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; reserved for the future
1240.500-1240.750 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons, reserved for the future
1240.750-1241.000 MHz 20 kHz FM / digital voice; reserved for the future
1241.000-1243.250 MHz 20 kHz All modes; 1242.025-1242.250 MHz repeater output; 1242.275-1242.700 MHz repeater output; 1242.725-1243.250 MHz digital communications
1243.250-1260.000 MHz national bandwidth limits (D)ATV; 1258.150-1259.350 MHz repeater output
1260.000-1270.000 MHz national bandwidth limits Satellite service
1270.000-1272.000 MHz 20 kHz All modes; 1270.025-1270.700 MHz repeater input; 1270.725-1271.250 MHz digital communication
1272.000-1290.994 MHz national bandwidth limits (D)ATV
1290.994-1291.481 MHz 20 kHz FM / digital voice; repeater input, 25 kHz spacing
1291.494-1296.000 MHz national bandwidth limits All modes; 1293.150-1294.350 MHz repeater input R20-R68
1296.000-1296.150 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; 1296.000-1296.025 MHz moonbounce; 1296.138 MHz PSK31 centre of activity
1296.150-1296.800 MHz 2700 Hz MGM, telegraphy, and SSB; 1296.200 MHz narrow-band centre; 1296.400-1296.600 MHz linear transponder input; 1296.500 MHz fax; 1296.600 MHz narrow-band data centre; 1296.600-1296.700 MHz linear transponder output; 1296.741-1296.743 MHz experimental MGM; 1296.750-1296.800 MHz local beacons
1296.800-1296.994 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons exclusive
1296.994-1297.481 MHz 20 kHz FM / digital voice; repeater output, 25 kHz spacing
1297.494-1297.981 MHz 20 kHz FM / digital voice; 1297.500 MHz SM20 and FM activity centre; 1297.725 MHz digital voice calling; 1297.900-1297.975 MHz simplex FM internet gateways; 1297.975 MHz SM39
1298.000-1299.000 MHz 20 kHz All modes; mixed analogue/digital use, 25 kHz spacing channels; 1298.025 MHz RS1 to 1298.975 MHz RS39
1299.000-1299.750 MHz 150 kHz All modes; five high-speed digital data channels centred on 1299.075, 1299.225, 1299.375, 1299.525, and 1299.675 MHz
1299.750-1300.000 MHz 20 kHz All modes; eight 25 kHz channels available for FM/DV use, centres 1299.775-1299.975 MHz

2300-2450 MHz (13 cm, UHF, Dezimeterwelle)

The 13 cm band is mostly line-of-sight and has a microwave operating style. It supports narrowband work, ATV/data segments, and amateur satellite use near 2400 MHz. Antenna aiming and local obstacles matter much more than on HF.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
2300.000-2320.000 MHz 20 kHz All modes; 2304-2306 MHz narrow-band segment where 2320-2322 MHz is unavailable; 2308-2310 MHz narrow-band segment in HB
2320.000-2320.800 MHz none All modes; 2320.000-2320.025 MHz EME; 2320.200 MHz SSB centre; 2320.750-2320.800 MHz local beacons, 10 W ERP maximum
2320.800-2321.000 MHz - MGM and telegraphy; beacons exclusive
2321.000-2322.000 MHz 20 kHz FM / digital voice; voice simplex and repeaters
2322.000-2400.000 MHz none All modes; 2322.000-2355.000 MHz ATV; 2355.000-2365.000 MHz digital communications; 2365.000-2370.000 MHz repeaters; 2370.000-2392.000 MHz ATV; 2392.000-2400.000 MHz digital communications
2400.000-2450.000 MHz - Amateur satellite service; 2400-2402 MHz narrow-band segment where 2320-2322 MHz is unavailable; 2427.000-2443.000 MHz ATV if no satellite uses the segment

SHF Band Plan

3400-3475 MHz (9 cm, SHF, Zentimeterwelle)

The 9 cm band is an SHF microwave band where line-of-sight paths, beam antennas, and beacons become central. It is a band for experimenters: small antennas can have useful gain, but accurate pointing and low-loss feedlines matter.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
3400.000-3400.800 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; 3400.100 MHz EME centre; 3400.750-3400.800 MHz local beacons
3400.800-3400.995 MHz 500 Hz MGM and telegraphy; beacons only
3401.000-3402.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes
3402.000-3410.000 MHz none All modes; satellite downlinks
3410.000-3475.000 MHz none All modes

5650-5850 MHz (6 cm, SHF, Zentimeterwelle)

The 6 cm band is used for microwave experiments, data, ATV, and satellite uplink/downlink segments. Antennas are compact and directional, so even portable stations can use meaningful gain. Propagation is mostly optical-path style with occasional enhancements.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
5650.000-5668.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; amateur satellite service uplink
5668.000-5670.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; 5668.200 MHz narrow-band centre; amateur satellite service uplink
5670.000-5700.000 MHz none MGM
5720.000-5760.000 MHz none All modes
5760.000-5760.800 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; 5760.200 MHz narrow-band centre; 5760.750-5760.800 MHz local beacon
5760.800-5760.990 MHz none MGM and telegraphy; beacons only
5761.000-5762.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes
5762.000-5790.000 MHz none All modes
5790.000-5850.000 MHz none All modes; amateur satellite service downlink

10-10.500 GHz (3 cm, SHF, Zentimeterwelle)

The 3 cm band is one of the classic amateur microwave bands. The narrowband activity centre around 10.368 GHz is a key anchor. Operation is strongly line-of-sight, and terrain, rain, equipment stability, and dish alignment all become part of the skill.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
10000.000-10150.000 MHz none MGM
10150.000-10250.000 MHz none All modes
10250.000-10350.000 MHz none MGM
10350.000-10368.000 MHz none All modes
10368.000-10368.800 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; 10368.200 MHz narrow-band centre; 10368.750-10368.800 MHz local beacon
10368.800-10368.990 MHz - Beacons only
10369.000-10370.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes
10370.000-10450.000 MHz - All modes
10450.000-10500.000 MHz - All modes; 10450-10452 MHz narrow-band modes where 10368-10370 MHz is unavailable; amateur satellite service

24-24.250 GHz (1.2 cm, SHF, Zentimeterwelle)

The 1.2 cm band is high microwave territory. Contacts are usually short-path or carefully planned longer line-of-sight attempts, and accurate antenna pointing is critical. The lower edge carries narrowband and satellite-related activity.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
24000.000-24048.000 MHz - All modes; 24.025 GHz wideband centre; amateur satellite service
24048.000-24048.800 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; 24.0482 GHz narrow-band centre; amateur satellite service narrow-band modes; 24048.750-24048.800 MHz local beacon
24048.800-24048.995 MHz - All modes; beacons only
24049.000-24050.000 MHz 2700 Hz All modes; amateur satellite service; narrow-band modes
24050.000-24250.000 MHz - All modes

Microwave Band Plan

47.0-47.2 GHz (6 mm, EHF, Millimeterwelle)

The 6 mm band is a millimeter-wave experimental band. Signals are highly directional, paths are usually short, and weather plus equipment stability become major factors. This is specialist territory rather than routine communication.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
47.000-47.088 GHz none All modes
47.088-47.090 GHz 2700 Hz All modes
47.090-47.200 GHz none All modes

75.5-81.5 GHz (4 mm, EHF, Millimeterwelle)

The 4 mm band is for specialist millimeter-wave experiments. Antennas are very directional, atmospheric absorption and weather are important, and successful contacts often depend on careful path planning and precise alignment.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
75.500-76.000 GHz 2700 Hz All modes; amateur satellite service preferred; 75.976200 GHz preferred narrow-band centre
76.000-77.500 GHz none All modes; 76.032200 GHz narrow-band centre in some countries, not preferred
77.500-77.501 GHz 2700 Hz All modes; 77.500200 GHz preferred narrow-band centre outside CEPT area; amateur satellite service
77.501-78.000 GHz none All modes; preferred segment
78.000-81.500 GHz none All modes; not preferred segment

122-123 GHz (2.5 mm, EHF, Millimeterwelle)

The 2.5 mm band is a very high millimeter-wave experimental band. Most activity is short line-of-sight work with narrowband techniques, where building stable equipment and proving the path are the main challenges.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
122.250-122.251 GHz 2700 Hz All modes; narrow-band modes
122.251-123.000 GHz none All modes

134-141 GHz (2 mm, EHF, Millimeterwelle)

The 2 mm band is a specialist millimeter-wave range. Short-distance experiments, precise antenna alignment, frequency stability, and low-loss construction dominate the operating experience.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
134.000-134.928 GHz none All modes; amateur satellite service
134.928-134.930 GHz 2700 Hz All modes; 134.930 GHz narrow-band centre
134.930-136.000 GHz none All modes
136.000-141.000 GHz none All modes; not preferred segment

241-250 GHz (1.2 mm, EHF, Millimeterwelle)

The 1.2 mm band is at the extreme end of amateur millimeter-wave operation. It is almost entirely experimental, with short paths, severe atmospheric effects, and demanding equipment constraints. Contacts here are engineering achievements as much as radio QSOs.

Frequency segment Max bandwidth Recommendation Questions
241.000-248.000 GHz none All modes; not preferred segment
248.000-248.001 GHz none All modes; amateur satellite service and narrow-band modes
248.001-250.000 GHz none All modes; preferred segment

Exam-Highlighted Entries

Question What is being asked Correct answer How to memorize
BC201 Whether IARU band plans are legally binding or recommendations. They are recommendations whose observance benefits all radio amateurs. IARU = coordination, not law. Law is AFuV/BNetzA; IARU is "please use the band this way".
BC202 Which sideband is normally used for SSB voice on 80 m. LSB. 80 m is below 10 MHz, so use the "low" sideband: LSB.
BC203 Which sideband is normally used for SSB voice on 20 m. USB. 20 m is above 10 MHz, so use the "upper" sideband: USB.
BC204 Where IARU usually puts Morse telegraphy inside amateur bands. At the beginning / lower end of the band. Morse is narrow and goes first: low edge = CW edge.
BC205 General analog FM calling frequency on 2 m. 145.500 MHz. 2 m FM calling is the classic "145 five hundred".
BC206 General analog FM calling frequency on 70 cm. 433.500 MHz. Same pattern as 2 m: analog FM calling ends in .500, here 433.500.
BC207 General digital voice calling frequency on 2 m. 145.375 MHz. Digital voice is below analog FM calling: 145.375 comes before 145.500.
BC208 General digital voice calling frequency on 70 cm. 433.450 MHz. Digital voice is just below analog FM calling: 433.450 before 433.500.
BC209 Which listed 2 m frequency is suitable for an FM voice QSO. 145.450 MHz. 145.206-145.5625 is the 2 m FM/DV simplex area; 145.450 sits safely inside it.
BC210 Which listed 2 m frequency is suitable for an SSB voice QSO. 144.310 MHz. SSB on 2 m clusters around 144.300; 144.310 is just next to the SSB centre.
BC211 2 m SSB voice activity/calling centre. 144.300 MHz. "Two-meter SSB is 144.300" is the main anchor for the whole 2 m weak-signal area.
BC212 70 cm SSB voice activity/calling centre. 432.200 MHz. 70 cm SSB mirrors 2 m weak-signal style: 432.200 is the SSB centre.
BC213 Why not use RTTY/PSK31/FT8 on 144.075 MHz. That range is preferred for Morse telegraphy. 144.075 is very low in the 2 m band, inside the CW/narrow area.
BC214 Why not use FM direct voice on 144.125 MHz. The range is for Morse telegraphy and narrow-band digital modes. 144.125 is still below the 144.150 SSB boundary: too low for FM.
BC215 Why not use FM direct voice on 144.450 MHz. The range is reserved for beacons. After the 2 m SSB area, 144.400-144.490 is the beacon block.
BC216 Why use narrow FM around 145.525 MHz. IARU recommends not occupying more than about 12 kHz bandwidth there. 145 MHz FM channels are narrow FM; think 12.5 kHz channel spacing.
BC217 Why not use 145.600 MHz for a local FM direct QSO. It is in the repeater-output range. 2 m repeater outputs begin at 145.575 MHz, so 145.600 is already in that block.
BC218 Why not use 145.800 MHz for a local FM direct QSO. It is in the space communication range. The top of 2 m is space/satellite: 145.800 is in the narrow space-communication slice just before the satellite-exclusive range.
BC219 Why not use 432.040 MHz for local FM voice. It is in the MGM/telegraphy range. 432.040 is near the bottom of 70 cm; low edge means CW/narrow.
BC220 Why not use 432.450 MHz for local FM voice. It is in the beacon-exclusive range. 70 cm beacon block is 432.400-432.490, just above SSB.
BC221 Why not use 435.500 MHz for local FM voice. It is in the satellite service range. On 70 cm, the middle block 435-438 MHz is satellite territory.
BC222 Why not use 439.200 MHz for local FM voice. It is in the repeater-output range. High 70 cm around 438.650-439.425 is repeater output; 439.200 is inside it.
BE410 Why specific small HF windows around 14, 18, 21, 24, and 28 MHz should be kept free. They are International Beacon Project ranges and reserved for beacon observation. The IBP windows are tiny slices near the upper end of the CW/narrow part of each HF band: 14099-14101, 18109-18111, 21149-21151, 24929-24931, 28190-28225 kHz.
BF109 What is special about 3760, 7110, 14300, 18160, and 21360 kHz. They are IARU Region 1/global emergency centres of activity and should be kept available for emergency traffic. Learn them as the emergency ladder: 3.760, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160, 21.360 MHz.
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