U.S. Non-Federal-Government Allocations
BROADCASTING
FCC rule parts
SpectrumWiki
Radio spectrum allocations
Look up a frequency or a range.
Examples: 88.5 MHz, 1350–1430 MHz, 2.4 GHz
54 MHz (54,000,000 Hz)
U.S. Federal Government Allocations
ITU Region 1 Allocations
BROADCASTING
ITU Region 2 Allocations
BROADCASTING
Fixed
Mobile
ITU Region 3 Allocations
FIXED
MOBILE
BROADCASTING
Footnotes
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5.162A Additional allocation: in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Vatican, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, the Russian Federation, Finland, France, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Rep., the United Kingdom, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland the frequency band 46-68 MHz is also allocated to the radiolocation service on a secondary basis. This use is limited to the operation of wind profiler radars in accordance with Resolution 217 (WRC 97). (WRC 19)
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5.163 Additional allocation: in Armenia, Belarus, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, the frequency bands 47-48.5 MHz and 56.5 58 MHz are also allocated to the fixed and land mobile services on a secondary basis. (WRC 19)
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5.164 Additional allocation: in Albania, Algeria, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Gabon, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Nigeria, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Syrian Arab Republic, Slovakia, Czech Rep., Romania, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Chad, Togo, Tunisia and Turkey, the frequency band 47-68 MHz, in South Africa the frequency band 47-50 MHz, and in Latvia the frequency bands 48.5-56.5 MHz and 58-68 MHz, are also allocated to the land mobile service on a primary basis. However, stations of the land mobile service in the countries mentioned in connection with each frequency band referred to in this footnote shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, existing or planned broadcasting stations of countries other than those mentioned in connection with the frequency band. (WRC 19)
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5.165 Additional allocation: in Angola, Cameroon, Congo (Rep. of the), Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Chad, the frequency band 47-68 MHz is also allocated to the fixed and mobile, except aeronautical mobile, services on a primary basis. (WRC 19)
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5.169 Alternative allocation: in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the frequency band 50-54 MHz is allocated to the amateur service on a primary basis. In Senegal, the frequency band 50-51 MHz is allocated to the amateur service on a primary basis. (WRC 19)
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5.169A Alternative allocation: in the following countries in Region 1: Angola, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Burundi, the United Arab Emirates, Gambia, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Uganda, Qatar, South Sudan and Tanzania, the frequency band 50-54 MHz is allocated to the amateur service on a primary basis. In Guinea-Bissau, the frequency band 50.0-50.5 MHz is allocated to the amateur service on a primary basis. In Djibouti, the frequency band 50-52 MHz is allocated to the amateur service on a primary basis. With the exception of those countries listed in No. 5.169, stations in the amateur service operating in Region 1 under this footnote, in all or part of the frequency band 50-54 MHz, shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, stations of other services operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations in Algeria, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Libya, Palestine*, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Dem. People’s Republic of Korea, Sudan and Tunisia. The field strength generated by an amateur station in the frequency band 50-54 MHz shall not exceed a value of +6 dB(μV/m) at a height of 10 m above ground for more than 10% of time along the borders of listed countries requiring protection. (WRC 19)
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5.169B Except countries listed under No. 5.169, stations in the amateur service used in Region 1, in all or part of the 50-54 MHz frequency band, shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, stations of other services used in accordance with the Radio Regulations in Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Russian Federation, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Uzbekistan, Palestine*, the Syrian Arab Republic, Sudan, Tunisia and Ukraine. The field strength generated by an amateur station in the frequency band 50-54 MHz shall not exceed a value of +6 dB(μV/m) at a height of 10 m above ground for more than 10% of time along the borders of the countries listed in this provision. (WRC 19)
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5.171 Additional allocation: in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the frequency band 54-68 MHz is also allocated to the fixed and mobile, except aeronautical mobile, services on a primary basis. (WRC 19)
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5.172 Different category of service: in the French overseas departments and communities in Region 2 and Guyana, the allocation of the frequency band 54-68 MHz to the fixed and mobile services is on a primary basis (see No. 5.33). (WRC 15)
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NG5 In the band 535-1705 kHz, AM broadcast licensees and permittees may use their AM carrier on a secondary basis to transmit signals intended for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. In the band 88-108 MHz, FM broadcast licensees and permittees are permitted to use subcarriers on a secondary basis to transmit signals intended for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. In the bands 54-72, 76-88, 174-216, 470-608, and 614-698 MHz, TV broadcast licensees and permittees are permitted to use subcarriers on a secondary basis for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.
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NG14 TV broadcast stations authorized to operate in the bands 54-72, 76-88, 174-216, 470-608, and 614-698 MHz may use a portion of the television vertical blanking interval for the transmission of telecommunications signals, on the condition that harmful interference will not be caused to the reception of primary services, and that such telecommunications services must accept any interference caused by primary services operating in these bands. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.
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NG115 In the bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz, and 614-698 MHz, wireless microphones and wireless assist video devices may be authorized on a non-interference basis, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in 47 CFR part 74, subpart H.
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NG149 The bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-512 MHz, 512-608 MHz, and 614-698 MHz are also allocated to the fixed service to permit subscription television operations in accordance with 47 CFR part 73. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.
Wiki entries
Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL)
Current Use
22–74.8 MHz Access BPL
According to the FCC's definition, Access BPL is "a carrier current system installed and operated on an electric utility service as an unintentional radiator that sends radio frequency energy on frequencies between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over medium voltage lines or over low voltage lines to provide broadband communications and is located on the supply side of the utility service’s points of interconnection with customer premises. Access BPL does not include power line carrier systems as defined in § 15.3(t) or In-House BPL as defined in § 15.3(gg)."
Low voltage lines are defined as lines carrying, for example, 240/120 volts from a distribution transformer to a customer's premises. Medium voltage lines carry between 1,000 and 40,000 volts from a power substation to neighborhoods, and may be overhead or underground.
Access BPL is an unlicensed service operated under Subpart G of Part 15 of the FCC's rules. Radiated emission limits from medium voltage lines in the 1.705-30 MHz range must not exceed the limits in 47 CFR 15.209, and those from 30-80 MHz must not exceed the limits in 15.109(b). Systems that operate on low voltage lines must comply with 15.109(a) limits across the entire 1.705-80 MHz range.
When Access BPL systems must use notch filters to protect licensed services, the notch must be at least 25 dB below applicable Part 15 limits in the 1.705-30 MHz band, and at least 10 dB below the limits in the 30-80 MHz band.
There are 12 sub-bands in which Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate anywhere to protect aeronautical (land) stations and aircraft receivers. Those excluded bands are listed in 15.615(f), and are excluded in the list of Access BPL bands in this entry.
Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate within the sub-band 2173.5-2190.5 kHz within 1 km of coast station facilities listed in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(2)(i), to protect the internationally-recognized standard maritime calling frequency of 2182 kHz.
No Access BPL emissions are allowed in the 73.0-74.6 MHz radio astronomy band on overhead medium voltage lines within 65 km of the Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico (34 04 43.5N, 107 37 03.82W), or within 47 km of the VLA on underground power lines or overhead low voltage lines.
Access BPL operators must consult at least 30 days in advance when deploying systems near various FCC field offices, aeronautical and maritime stations, radar systems, radio astronomy stations, and research areas. Details are in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(3).
Low voltage lines are defined as lines carrying, for example, 240/120 volts from a distribution transformer to a customer's premises. Medium voltage lines carry between 1,000 and 40,000 volts from a power substation to neighborhoods, and may be overhead or underground.
Access BPL is an unlicensed service operated under Subpart G of Part 15 of the FCC's rules. Radiated emission limits from medium voltage lines in the 1.705-30 MHz range must not exceed the limits in 47 CFR 15.209, and those from 30-80 MHz must not exceed the limits in 15.109(b). Systems that operate on low voltage lines must comply with 15.109(a) limits across the entire 1.705-80 MHz range.
When Access BPL systems must use notch filters to protect licensed services, the notch must be at least 25 dB below applicable Part 15 limits in the 1.705-30 MHz band, and at least 10 dB below the limits in the 30-80 MHz band.
There are 12 sub-bands in which Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate anywhere to protect aeronautical (land) stations and aircraft receivers. Those excluded bands are listed in 15.615(f), and are excluded in the list of Access BPL bands in this entry.
Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate within the sub-band 2173.5-2190.5 kHz within 1 km of coast station facilities listed in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(2)(i), to protect the internationally-recognized standard maritime calling frequency of 2182 kHz.
No Access BPL emissions are allowed in the 73.0-74.6 MHz radio astronomy band on overhead medium voltage lines within 65 km of the Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico (34 04 43.5N, 107 37 03.82W), or within 47 km of the VLA on underground power lines or overhead low voltage lines.
Access BPL operators must consult at least 30 days in advance when deploying systems near various FCC field offices, aeronautical and maritime stations, radar systems, radio astronomy stations, and research areas. Details are in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(3).
Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS)
Current Use
30–87.975 MHz
A longstanding Army portable and mobile system, operating across 30 - 87.975 MHz, is the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). These radios provide frequency-hopping, secure voice, and data communications.
(Source: Wireless Spectrum Finder, by Bennett Z. Kobb. Wireless Spectrum Finder is now (c)MMX Technology LLC).
(Source: Wireless Spectrum Finder, by Bennett Z. Kobb. Wireless Spectrum Finder is now (c)MMX Technology LLC).
TV White Space Devices
Current Use
54–72 MHz Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices
TV white space devices are unlicensed intentional radiators that operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands. Channel availability is determined from geospatial information and a TV bands database.
White space devices in the U.S. are governed by Part 15(H) of the FCC's rules. They operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands, the 600 MHz band (including the guard bands and duplex gap), and in 608-614 MHz (channel 37).
TV white spaces has not been a commercial success and very few devices are in operation.
White space devices in the U.S. are governed by Part 15(H) of the FCC's rules. They operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands, the 600 MHz band (including the guard bands and duplex gap), and in 608-614 MHz (channel 37).
TV white spaces has not been a commercial success and very few devices are in operation.
Television Broadcast
Current Use
54–60 MHz Broadcast Television (VHF)
Over-the-air television broadcasting in the United States uses the following spectrum. Each TV channel is 6 MHz wide. Digital broadcasting is by the ATSC standard. Some Low Power Television (LPTV), TV translators, and Class A television stations continue to broadcast in analog mode using the NTSC standard, but are mandated to transition to digital by September 1, 2015; however, the FCC has proposed extending this deadline in document FCC 14-151 (available under the related documents section).
Portions of channels 14-20 (470-512 MHz) are used by the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) in the following metropolitan areas:
PLMRS service is allowed by the FCC's rules in Cleveland OH (14 & 15) and Detroit MI (15 & 16), but interference issues with Canada prevent PLMRS from being deployed there.
A useful characteristic of digital (ATSC) signals is the addition of a narrowband pilot tone on the RF carrier. The pilot tone is at a nominal frequency of 309.440559441 kHz above the bottom edge of the channel, although the FCC may require small frequency offsets on a station-by-station basis to avoid interference between pilot tones of co-channel TV stations. Ancillary uses of the pilot tones include, for example, monitoring for sudden enhanced propagation events, such as meteor burst or sporadic E.
| VHF TV | |
| 54-72 MHz: | Channels 2-4 |
| 76-88 MHz: | Channels 5-6 |
| 174-216 MHz: | Channels 7-13 |
| UHF TV | |
| 470-512 MHz: | Channels 14-20 (may be used for land mobile in major cities; see below) |
| 512-608 MHz: | Channels 21-36 |
| 608-614 MHz: | Channel 37 (not used for TV broadcasting) |
| 614-698 MHz: | Channels 38-51 |
Portions of channels 14-20 (470-512 MHz) are used by the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) in the following metropolitan areas:
| Boston MA | channels 14 & 16 |
| Chicago IL | channels 14 & 15 |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth TX | channel 16 |
| Houston TX | channel 17 |
| Los Angeles CA | channels 14, 16 & 20 |
| Miami FL | channel 14 |
| New York NY/NE New Jersey | channels 14-16 |
| Philadelphia PA | channels 19 & 20 |
| Pittsburgh PA | channels 14 & 18 |
| San Francisco-Oakland CA | channels 16 & 17 |
| Washington DC | channels 17 & 18 |
PLMRS service is allowed by the FCC's rules in Cleveland OH (14 & 15) and Detroit MI (15 & 16), but interference issues with Canada prevent PLMRS from being deployed there.
A useful characteristic of digital (ATSC) signals is the addition of a narrowband pilot tone on the RF carrier. The pilot tone is at a nominal frequency of 309.440559441 kHz above the bottom edge of the channel, although the FCC may require small frequency offsets on a station-by-station basis to avoid interference between pilot tones of co-channel TV stations. Ancillary uses of the pilot tones include, for example, monitoring for sudden enhanced propagation events, such as meteor burst or sporadic E.