Frequencies… our lifelines

The memory is still fresh from when a group of us considered the alarming possibility of losing access to a portion of the 40-meter band. This was around the early 2000s, during the lead-up to one of the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conferences. There had been rumblings about reallocating part of the 7 MHz spectrum to shortwave broadcasters, who were seeking more bandwidth for their expanding operations. The thought of losing even a small slice of the 40-meter band, a crucial segment for regional and international communications, was unsettling. Like all of you, we had spent countless nights making contacts across the globe, sharing stories, exchanging technical tips, and providing emergency communication during local disasters. The 40-meter band is not just a set of frequencies — it is a lifeline. The possibility of seeing it diminished, or worse, reallocated to other services, felt like a personal loss, not just of spectrum, but of the community that had grown around it. Fortunately, it did not happen.

Globally, the amateur radio community has been observing shifts in frequency allocations, some favorable and others concerning. The question of whether we are gaining or losing bands is complex and region-specific. On one hand, there have been instances where amateur radio operators have gained new allocations, particularly in the high-frequency (HF) bands. For example, the 60-meter band, which was allocated in a limited capacity to amateur radio operators in several countries over the past decade, represents a significant gain. This band offers unique propagation characteristics that are particularly useful for near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) communication, which is valuable for emergency operations.

However, the overall trend is not entirely positive. In many parts of the world, amateur radio operators face the risk of losing access to some parts of the spectrum. The increasing demand for spectrum by commercial interests, particularly for mobile and wireless broadband services, poses a significant threat. The 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands, which have been historically used by amateur radio operators for various purposes, are under increasing pressure from commercial entities that view these frequencies as prime real estate for expanding 5G networks. In several countries, these bands have already been reallocated, and amateurs have lost access, raising concerns about the long-term availability of spectrum for amateur use.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a pivotal role in managing global frequency allocations. The ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), held every four years, are the primary forums where spectrum allocations are discussed and decided upon. The ITU’s position on amateur radio allocations has generally been one of support, recognizing the value of amateur radio in emergency communications, technical experimentation, and education. However, the ITU also faces immense pressure from commercial interests and national governments that seek to reallocate spectrum for other uses. The WRC-19, for example, saw significant debate over the 50 MHz band, which resulted in a mixed outcome for amateur radio operators worldwide, with some regions gaining new allocations and others facing restrictions.

The four main amateur radio associations—ARRL (American Radio Relay League), RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada), RAST (Radio Amateur Society of Thailand), and JARL (Japan Amateur Radio League)—have been at the forefront of advocating for the protection and expansion of amateur radio frequency allocations. The ARRL, being one of the largest and most influential associations, has been particularly active in lobbying for the preservation of amateur bands, especially in the face of encroachments from commercial interests. The ARRL’s efforts in defending the 60-meter band allocation in the United States are a testament to its commitment. Similarly, RAC has been vocal in advocating for Canadian amateurs, especially in the context of preserving access to the 3.4 GHz band.

RAST and JARL, while representing smaller amateur radio communities compared to ARRL, have also played critical roles in their respective regions. RAST has been successful in advocating for the expansion of amateur radio privileges in Thailand, including access to new HF bands, which has been a significant achievement. JARL, on the other hand, has been focused on protecting the existing allocations in Japan, particularly in the face of Japan’s heavy reliance on wireless communications technology, which often leads to competition for spectrum.

The historic trend in amateur radio frequency allocations has been one of gradual expansion, particularly in the mid-20th century when amateur radio was at its peak in terms of popularity and technical innovation. The post-war period saw significant growth in the number of licensed operators worldwide, which in turn led to increased pressure on regulators to allocate more spectrum to accommodate this growing community. However, as technology has advanced and commercial demands for spectrum have grown, the trend has shifted towards a more defensive posture, with amateur radio operators and associations increasingly focused on protecting existing allocations rather than gaining new ones.

Looking ahead, the next few years are likely to be challenging for the amateur radio community. The ongoing expansion of 5G networks and the anticipated growth of 6G and other wireless technologies will continue to put pressure on the spectrum traditionally used by amateurs. The upcoming WRC-23 will be a critical event, with several agenda items that could impact amateur radio, particularly in the VHF and UHF bands. The outcome of these discussions will likely set the tone for the future of amateur radio frequency allocations.

Moreover, the growth of digital modes and the increasing interest in weak-signal propagation modes, such as FT8, have highlighted the need for more efficient use of existing spectrum. This has led to discussions within the amateur radio community about how best to adapt to the changing landscape, with some advocating for more aggressive lobbying efforts and others suggesting that the community focus on developing new technologies that can operate within tighter spectral constraints.

The current state of amateur radio frequency allocations worldwide is one of cautious optimism tempered by significant challenges. While there have been some gains in recent years, particularly in the HF bands, the overall trend is one of increasing pressure from commercial interests that seek to reallocate spectrum for other uses. The ITU and major amateur radio associations have played crucial roles in defending amateur radio’s place in the spectrum, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. As we move forward, the amateur radio community will need to remain vigilant, united, and proactive in its efforts to protect and expand the frequencies that are vital to the continued growth and innovation of the hobby.