Operating Rules and Procedures

Band Plans – Introduction

  1. The three IARU Regions adopt voluntary band plans for the frequency bands allocated to the amateur service by the ITU.  For exam purposes, we are concerned only with the Region 1 band plans
  2. Band plans allocate specific segments to particular modes based on bandwidth.  Typically CW is at the low frequency end of the bands, wide band modes such as SSB or FM are at the high frequency end, with data modes somewhere between the two.
  3. Note that CW may be used across all bands, except within beacon segments.  (Frequencies or segments reserved for propagation beacons should never be used for normal transmissions)
  4. Band plans are widely accepted by amateurs and adherence to them minimises interference between modes
  5. The band plans are defined in considerable detail to provide for a wide range of requirements.  The summary tables on the next two pages deal with key aspects of the band plans that exam candidates should be familiar with
  6. In some instances, the Region 1 band plan allows modes on certain frequencies that the table of “Amateur Station Authorised Frequencies” in ComReg’s Guidelines does not permit.  Also, ComReg’s Guidelines would allow modes on some frequencies that are not allocated under the band plan.  Where the Guidelines and band plan differ, we have adjusted the allocation so that it conforms to both, as well as simplifying them for exam purposes
  7. The band plans incorporate bandwidth limits, which would in practice qualify the meaning of allocations such as “All modes”.  In simplifying the band plans for purposes of the Course Guide, we have largely excluded references to bandwidth limits
  8. Following on the adjustments referred to in notes 5, 6 and 7 above, it is important to note that the band plan tables in the Course Guide, while adequate for exam purposes, are not intended to be definitive.