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Code of Federal Regulations Title 47. Telecommunication § 47.2.101 Frequency and wavelength bands

Current as of October 02, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) The radio spectrum shall be subdivided into nine frequency bands, which shall be designated by progressive whole numbers in accordance with the following table. As the unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz), frequencies shall be expressed:

(1) In kilohertz (kHz), up to and including 3 000 kHz;

(2) In megahertz (MHz), above 3 MHz, up to and including 3 000 MHz;

(3) In gigahertz (GHz), above 3 GHz, up to and including 3 000 GHz.

(b) However, where adherence to these provisions would introduce serious difficulties, for example in connection with the notification and registration of frequencies, the lists of frequencies and related matters, reasonable departures may be made.  1

Table 1 to Paragraph (b)

Band No.

Symbols

Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive)

Corresponding metric subdivision

4

VLF

3 to 30 kHz

Myriametric waves.

5

LF

30 to 300 kHz

Kilometric waves.

6

MF

300 to 3 000 kHz

Hectometric waves.

7

HF

3 to 30 MHz

Decametric waves.

8

VHF

30 to 300 MHz

Metric waves.

9

UHF

300 to 3 000 MHz

Decimetric waves.

10

SHF

3 to 30 GHz

Centimetric waves.

11

EHF

30 to 300 GHz

Millimetric waves.

12

300 to 3 000 GHz

Decimillimetric waves.

Note 1: “Band N” (N = band number) extends from 0.3 x 10N Hz to 3 x 10N Hz.

Note 2: Prefix: k = kilo (103), M = mega (106), G = giga (109).
 1

 In the application of the ITU Radio Regulations, the Radiocommunication Bureau uses the following units:

kHz:  For frequencies up to 28 000 kHz inclusive;

MHz:  For frequencies above 28 000 kHz up to 10 500 MHz inclusive;  and

GHz:  For frequencies above 10 500 MHz.

(c) In communications between administrations and the ITU, no names, symbols or abbreviations should be used for the various frequency bands other than those specified in this section.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Code of Federal Regulations Title 47. Telecommunication § 47.2.101 Frequency and wavelength bands - last updated October 02, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-47-telecommunication/cfr-sect-47-2-101/

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