47 C.F.R. § 2.101

Current through November 30, 2024
Section 2.101 - Frequency and wavelength bands
(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.

Table 1 to Paragraph (b)

Band No. Symbols Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive) Corresponding metric subdivision
4VLF3 to 30 kHzMyriametric waves.
5LF30 to 300 kHzKilometric waves.
6MF300 to 3 000 kHzHectometric waves.
7HF3 to 30 MHzDecametric waves.
8VHF30 to 300 MHzMetric waves.
9UHF300 to 3 000 MHzDecimetric waves.
10SHF3 to 30 GHzCentimetric waves.
11EHF30 to 300 GHzMillimetric waves.
12300 to 3 000 GHzDecimillimetric waves.

Note 1: "Band N" (N = band number) extends from 0.3 * 10N Hz to 3 * 10N Hz.

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

(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.

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.

47 C.F.R. §2.101

70 FR 46583 , Aug. 10, 2005; 70 FR 53074 , Sept. 7, 2005; 75 FR 62933 , Oct. 13, 2010; 80 FR 38823 , July 7, 2015; 85 FR 38632 , June 26, 2020
85 FR 38632 , 7/27/2020