Why Band Plans Matter
The HF spectrum allocated to amateur radio is divided into specific frequency bands, and within each band, operators follow a band plan — a gentlemen's agreement that assigns different portions of each band to different modes and activities. While band plans are largely voluntary (except for a few legally designated segments), following them makes amateur radio orderly and prevents unnecessary interference.
As a new operator, understanding band plans will help you find the right frequency for what you want to do, avoid calling CQ in a digital segment, and generally behave as a welcome addition to the amateur radio community.
The Major HF Amateur Bands
| Band Name | Frequency Range | Primary Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 160 metres | 1.810–2.000 MHz | Low noise at night, regional/DX at night only |
| 80 metres | 3.500–3.800 MHz | Excellent evening/night regional contacts; noisy daytime |
| 40 metres | 7.000–7.200 MHz | Reliable day and night, outstanding for DX at night |
| 20 metres | 14.000–14.350 MHz | The workhorse DX band; open much of the day during active sun |
| 17 metres | 18.068–18.168 MHz | WARC band — no contests; great DX propagation |
| 15 metres | 21.000–21.450 MHz | Excellent DX when open; relies on solar activity |
| 12 metres | 24.890–24.990 MHz | WARC band — no contests; near 10m characteristics |
| 10 metres | 28.000–29.700 MHz | Outstanding DX during solar maximum; can be dead at solar minimum |
How Each Band Is Typically Subdivided
Within each band, the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) recommends a segment allocation. Using the 20-metre band (14 MHz) as an example:
- 14.000–14.070 MHz: CW (Morse code) — narrow-bandwidth operation
- 14.070–14.099 MHz: Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY)
- 14.100 MHz: IBP Beacon network — do not transmit here
- 14.101–14.112 MHz: Weak signal / digital modes
- 14.125–14.300 MHz: SSB (single sideband phone)
- 14.195 ± 5 kHz: DX expeditions have priority
- 14.300 MHz: Maritime Mobile Net
Choosing the Right Mode Segment
Use USB (Upper Sideband) on 20m and above. Use LSB (Lower Sideband) on 40m, 80m, and 160m. CW is always narrow-bandwidth and sits at the bottom of each band. Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) occupy designated segments — operating digital modes outside these segments causes unnecessary interference.
Calling Frequencies
Each band has traditional calling frequencies where operators call CQ before moving to a working frequency:
- 40m SSB: 7.190 MHz (Region 1/Europe)
- 20m SSB: 14.300 MHz (International)
- 15m SSB: 21.300 MHz
- 10m SSB: 28.300 MHz
After making contact on the calling frequency, move to a clear frequency to continue the QSO — this frees the calling frequency for others.
Golden Rules for New Operators
- Listen before you transmit — make sure the frequency is clear.
- Ask "Is this frequency in use?" (QRL?) before calling CQ.
- Know your licence privileges — some bands or segments may be restricted to certain licence classes.
- Respect WARC bands (17m, 12m, 30m) — no contest operation permitted.
- Identify with your callsign at least every 10 minutes during a contact and at the end of each transmission as required by your national regulations.
Where to Find Your Region's Official Band Plan
Band plans vary by ITU region. Download the IARU Region 1 band plan from the IARU website for European, African, and Middle Eastern operations. ARRL publishes the Region 2 plan for the Americas, and the WIA covers Region 3 for Asia-Pacific.