Friday, December 13, 2019

More Countries Grant Hams Access to 5 MHz Band


A growing list of countries is permitting amateur use of the 5 MHz band, in accordance with a decision made at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference. The ARRL Letter reports that Kuwait has opened 60 meters to ham use, Israel has extended a temporary authorization through the end of 2023, and access is under consideration in Australia. Nearly 80 countries now permit some level of amateur access to the 5-MHz band.
 
Here in the US, the ARRL reports that an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected soon on adding the frequency range adopted at WRC-15 to the current five permitted channels. The League has asked that current US power levels (which are higher than the WRC-15 recommendations) be retained, while also keeping current US frequencies in addition to the allocation approved at WRC-15.