For the first time since
amateur radio was formally recognized by the U.S. government in 1912, hams may
soon have access to wavelengths above 200 meters (frequencies below 1500 kHz).
In a combination Report & Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued in
late April, the FCC established a secondary amateur allocation at 2200 meters
(137 kHz) and proposed another at 630 meters (472 kHz). Final rules for 2200 meters will be determined as part of the NPRM proceeding on the 630-meter allocation, but initial indications are that amateur use of both bands will be limited to permanent fixed stations with power outputs of 1 watt and 5 watts EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power), respectively. The FCC also granted amateur radio primary status on the 1900-2000 kHz portion of the 160-meter band.
For more details on this ruling and proposal, see "How Low Can You Go?" in the June issue of CQ.
