The weight of law:

The reader should not confuse the bandplans published by the ARRL and coordination entities with the FCC Mandated band allocations.  While the former are recommendations, the latter carry the weight of law and their contravention may result in enforcement action.  (A printable, color version showing current U.S. Bands may be found here (207k PDF) at the ARRL web site.)  Of course, the ultimate authority in the permitted frequency ranges and modes is FCC Part 97.  (The ARRL maintains a copy of Part 97 on their web site here.  Those parts specifically related to frequency ranges and modes [e.g. §97.301-317] may be found here.)

Why are there bandplans?

Although the FCC has already defined specific portions of each band for use with specific modes, there exists a need, in a somewhat less formal manner, to further divide the bands according to the types of operation encountered in everyday USE.  While these "band plans", unlike the FCC's defined segments, do not carry the weight of law behind them they are an integral part within the framework of a number of widely recognized "gentlemen's agreements" that, by general consensus of the occupants, play a large part in determining which operations may occur and where.  More recently, the FCC has indicated its strong support for adherence to local bandplans.  A page citing a few examples of this may be found here.
 

When "Fringe" Operation can get you into trouble with the FCC... Too often, amateurs forget that their signals have a width as well:  They are usiing frequencies in addition to the frequency on their radio's display.  As it turns out, an FM signal occupies about 12-15 KHz.  The filters in FM receivers are typically about 15-17 KHz wide, and therefore, two signal of roughly equal strength must be at least 20 KHz apart to avoid interference between them.  Another problem arises occasionally that is more serious:  Out-of-band operation! This happens when someone says "Since the band goes from 144 to 148 MHz, let's operate on 144.000 - there's no-one there!  There are two problems with this example that make it illegal:  First of all, only CW is permitted below 144.100.  Secondly, since your signal is 12-15 KHz wide, half of it is outside the 2 meter ham band!

The basis of the bandplans are threefold:

1. They reflect the FCC-mandated band segments based on transmission modes and types of permitted operations (e.g. subbands where voice modes are not permitted, repeater and satellite subbands, etc.)
2. They reflect how various parts of the bands are to be used - using sound engineering practices - in a way that will allow the greatest number of people to use the frequencies with a minimum of interference (e.g. not operating FM in the middle of the satellite subbands, etc.)
3. A number of aspects of these plans are a result of traditional usage over the years (e.g. the use of 146.52 as a simplex frequency, etc.)

While it may be technically legal (according to the letter of the law) to go against portions of the bandplan, doing so may have unforeseen technical consequences (such as unintentional jamming of an amateur satellite, unknowingly operating simplex on the input of a repeater or link frequency to name just a few) and ignoring a bandplan is not likely to win you very many friends!  Since our amateur frequencies are a shared and increasingly utilized resource, adherence to sound operating practices continues to become more important as time goes on.

The Utah bandplans:

The bandplan in Utah is based largely on the ARRL-recommended bandplan.

In the Utah plan there are a few departures from the ARRL plan based on local usage and needs, and these are noted where appropriate.  How did these departures occur in the first place, you may ask?  Because of geographical isolation of the main population centers of Utah (the Wasatch Front) operation has occurred in a "vacuum" and usually has had little or no impact on neighboring regions.  Because the band plans are based on sound technical principles, operation in Utah more or less happened to follow them and adopt them as time went on.  In the 70's and 80's when bandplan discussions were hot topics of discussion, Utah took further steps (i.e. the adoption of the 20 KHz channel spacing on 2 meters) to conform to the ARRL bandplan in anticipation of heavier spectrum use in the future.  More information on the "why" behind 20 KHz channel spacing may be found here on the Frequency Coordination FAQ  page.

• Wide - +/- 5 kHz deviation on transmit with 15-18 kHz (typical) receive bandwidth.
• Narrow - +/- 2.5 kHz deviation on transmit with 12-15 kHz (typical) receive bandwidth.

• There is a large base of radios out there that cannot operate in "narrow" mode.
• There are a large number of repeaters out there that cannot operate in "narrow" mode and retrofitting them would be expensive/difficult - if at all possible.
• There is a misconception that "narrow" mode would allow 12.5 kHz spacing between channels, allowing more repeaters/simplex frequencies to be inserted.  "Because of physics" this is NOT true!   While a properly-produced "narrow" (+/- 2.5kHz deviation) signal may have the majority of its energy confined to a 12.5 kHz of spectrum, it is not possible to make receive filters that are both suitably sharp and narrow, so a filter bandwidth of closer to 15 kHz is typically used.
• While it is possible to have very strong and very weak signals (e.g. a local and distant repeater) that are 20 kHz apart without their interfering with each other in a receiver, accomplishing the same with "narrow" deviation and filtering is more difficult and is often not well-executed on inexpensive radios.

• Complaints of low audio.  Running "narrow" means that your voice is 1/4 as loud as it would otherwise be.  If your signal is weak or noisy, your voice will very quickly disappear and be uncopiable.
• Received signals will be "extra loud" and often be distorted.  If you are receiving in "narrow" mode some of the received signal is going outside your radio's filters, causing audible distortion on your end.  Whether or not you care about 20-30% distortion is up to you, but another side-effect can be "squelch clampling" where loud audio can cause your squech to close even on a strong, full-quieting signals.
  

It is not the intent for a bandplan to stifle technical innovation and experimentation!

If there is a mode or type of operation that you believe is important to implement, but it does not readily fit within the bandplan, please contact the Frequency Coordinator:  It is possible that provisions may be made for the type of operation you are proposing.  If a brand new mode comes along that doesn't easily fit within the bandplan, it is possible that the bandplan may be modified as appropriate.

Remember:  The bandplan has been established as a cooperative effort by amateurs representing various kinds of operation.  Proposals for changes may be taken to the coordinator and, ultimately, the entire Utah VHF Society. If you feel that some aspect of the bandplan is contrary to current/future uses of the amateur spectrum, you are encouraged to begin a dialogue with the frequency coordinator to discuss current and future needs and their possible impacts on the bandplan.

Additional resources:

In addition to this bandplan page, there are also several other pages that deal with frequency usage issues:

• The Utah Repeater Listings.  This list is automatically generated from the Frequency Coordinator's database.  Keep in mind that this list does not show frequencies used by control, link, and auxiliary stations, so just because a frequency isn't listed here, that doesn't mean that it is not being used!
• The Wasatch Front Simplex Frequency Usage page.  This gives an overview of how the 2 meter simplex frequencies are used along the Wasatch Front. Please read the first few paragraphs of this page.
• To understand the how and why of frequency coordination, go to the Frequency Coordination page.  This page details the general policies of frequency coordination and it contains links to other pages on related topics.
• The ARRL strongly supports reasoned frequency coordination efforts.  An ARRL-sanctioned coordination body is the NFCC, the National Frequency Coordination Council - and the Utah VHF Society is a member of this group.  More information on this entity may be found at the NFCC page.

The bandplan diagrams below reflect not only the general recommendations of the ARRL's suggested bandplans, but also how these frequencies areactually used in Utah.  In other areas of the country, there are significant differences in the way "local" bandplans are implemented and the information on this page should not be used outside Utah without due consideration of those differences.

These charts do not reflect those portions of the bands that may be restricted to certain license classes.  For example, Novices and Technicians (that have passed code tests) have privileges on 10 meters that are not delineated in the chart below:  Please refer to other publications for this sort of information.

NOTE:  As per FCC regulations (i.e. §97.305) voice modes are not permitted in the red portions of 10, 6, and 2 meters.
 

10 Meters:

This is the highest of the HF bands - or is it the lowest of the VHF bands?  It has properties of both that make it unique:  During band openings, it seems as though one may communicate almost anywhere in the world with even the lowest transmitter power.  When the band is closed, however, it is strictly a "local" band.

All classes of license that have passed a code test have at least some privileges on this band.  It is also the lowest band on which repeater operation is permitted.

Please avoid casual operation in the satellite subband:  Your transmission may be going over a satellite and interfere with an ongoing QSO - and you may not even realize it!

FM Simplex operation on 10 meters:

Occasionally, when the band is "open," it may be difficult to find a clear spot for 10 meter simplex operation.  When possible, use 29.600 MHz for simplex operations.  When this is not possible, it is permissible to use other frequencies where narrowband FM is relatively common (e.g. from 29.000 to 29.700 MHz) while avoiding the Satellite segment from 29.300 to 29.510 MHz and the repeater subbands.
 

Utah 10 Meter Bandplan 28.000-28.300:  CW/Data - No voice modes allowed per FCC §97.305 28.000-28.070:  CW 28.070-28.150:  Data/CW 28.120-28.189:  Packet/Data/CW 28.190-28.300:  CW 28.200-28.300:  CW/Beacon Subband 28.300-29.300:  Phone (SSB), SSTV, etc. (no FM voice) 29.300-29.510:  Satellite subband (uplinks/downlinks) - Please avoid other types of operation. 29.510-29.590:  10 Meter FM Repeater Inputs 29.600:  National 10 Meter FM Simplex Frequency 29.610-29.690:  10 Meter FM Repeater Outputs 10 Meter Repeater pairs (Input/Output): 29.520/29.620;  29.540/29.640;  29.560/29.660;  29.580/29.680 Notes: Utah uses the standard 100 KHz negative split and requires subaudible tone access for 10 meter repeaters. There are specific restrictions on allowable bandwidths of FM signals on different parts of 10 meters - see the FCC rules for more information.

6 Meters:

This is a truly unique band.  Most of the time, it has properties very similar to those of 2 meters, but during band openings, one may communicate over vast distances with even the lowest transmitter power.  Being a lower frequency band than 2 meters, the distances over which one may communicate via simplex tend to be much greater than 2 meters - provided one uses a reasonable antenna (a quarter wave vertical works nicely.)

According to listings in the ARRL directory, various regions have chosen 500 KHz or 1 MHz (plus a couple of others) for a frequency split for 6 meter repeater operation.  Utah has chosen a 1 MHz split for two main reasons:  There are relatively few 6 meter repeaters in Utah, and the use of the wider 1 MHz split somewhat simplifies repeater design.

FM Simplex operation on 6 meters:

The frequency of 52.525 MHz has been traditionally used for simplex operation on 6 Meters.  Other suggested frequencies are 52.400, 52.020 and 52.040 Mhz.  There is also a "range" from 51.500 to 51.600 where there are 6 channels spaced 20 KHz apart.  Please refrain from operating in the "DX Windows" unless you are actually working some DX using SSB or CW.
 

Utah 6 Meter Bandplan 50.000-50.100:  CW - No voice modes allowed per FCC §97.305 50.060-50.080:  CW/Beacon Subband 50.100-50.300:  Phone (SSB), etc. (no FM voice) 50.100-50.125:  DX Window 50.300-50.600:  All modes (simplex) 50.600-50.800:  Digital modes (e.g. Packet) 50.800-51.000:  Radio Control (R/C) 51.000-51.100:  "Pacific DX window" (SSB/CW) 51.120-51.480:  6 Meter FM Repeater Inputs (areas w/500 KHz split) 51.500-51.600:  Simplex FM, 6 channels:  51.500, 51.520, 51.540, 51.560, 51.580, and 51.600 51.620-51.980:  6 Meter FM Repeater Outputs (areas w/500 KHz split) 52.000-52.480:  6 Meter FM Repeater Inputs (for 500 KHz and 1 MHz split) Note:   52.525, 52.400, 52.040, and 52.020 are widely used for simplex operation with 52.525 being the "national simplex" frequency. 52.500-52.980:  6 Meter FM Repeater Outputs (areas w/500 KHz split) 53.000-53.480:  6 Meter FM Repeater Inputs (for areas w/500 KHz split) and Repeater Outputs (for areas w/1 MHz split) 53.500-53.980:  6 Meter FM Repeater Outputs (for 500 KHz and 1 MHz split.  This is the only portion currently used in Utah.) Notes: The Utah 6 meter repeater "test pair" is on 52.210 (input) and 53.210 (output).  Read here for more info on test pairs. Utah uses a -1 MHz split exclusively.  1.7 MHz and 500 KHz are used in elsewhere and are mentioned here for reference purposes.

2 Meters:

This is our most popular VHF band and it is also the most congested!  Perhaps the heaviest usage on this band is repeater operation, but that isn't all that goes on here:

• Packet operation.  This is a digital mode that can automatically transport data over large networks.  Common packet activity includes APRS.
  
• Weak Signal work.  This includes CW and SSB operation that may range from simplex ragchew operation to things as exotic as EME ("moonbounce") operation.
• Simplex operation.  This operation runs the gamut from ragchewing to training for (and actual) emergency operations.  The Simplex Frequency Usage page has a list of many groups and their operation on 2 meters:  Please read the notice at the top of the linked page.

With all that happens on this band, it is in all of our best interest to operate in a courteous manner and follow the bandplan.

FM Simplex operation on 2 meters:

The most often used simplex frequency is 146.520 MHz.  Because it often busy one may wish to try alternatives such as 146.540 or 146.560 MHz.

There are additional "ranges" where simplex operation is common:  From 146.420 to 146.600 MHz, from 147.400 to 147.600 MHz (channels spaced every even 20 KHz in both ranges) as well as from 145.510 to 145.790 MHz (channels spaced every odd 20 KHz..)  Note that a frequency of 146.40 is not available for simplex use in northern Utah because that is the input frequency of a repeater on 147.000 in southern Idaho.

Please DO NOT try to "squeeze" more channels in by picking 10 or 15 KHz spacing:  This will not work!  The simple fact is that not only are the FM signals themselves too wide for this, but the filters in your radio cannot separate channels that are spaced this closely.  Also, use of FM below 144.500 MHz is frowned upon (with the sole exception of APRS Packet operation on 144.39 MHz) and is illegal below 144.100!

As of 12/2006, FCC rules changes have made it legal for primary control of an amateur station to be done on 2 meters - but keep in mind that this not legal below 144.5 MHz or in the 145.8-146.0 MHz satellite subband.  Furthermore, such operations must be avoided on existing repeater inputs, repeater outputs, and on busy simplex channels.  Finally it is Utah VHF Society policy that all such control operations MUST BE COORDINATED (in cooperation with the frequency coordinator) before they occur!

Keep in mind that others (groups and individuals) use these simplex channels as well and that if one you pick is busy, please select another one.  For a list showing how simplex frequencies are used along the Wasatch Front, refer to the Simplex Frequency Usage page.  Please read the first paragraph of this page.
 

Utah 2 Meter Bandplan 144.000-144.100:  CW - No voice modes allowed per FCC §97.305 144.000-144.050:  CW EME (e.g. "moonbounce") 144.050-144.100:  CW/Weak signal 144.100-144.300:  Phone (SSB), etc. (no FM voice) 144.100-144.200:  SSB (Weak Signal and EME) 144.200:  SSB/CW weak signal calling frequency 144.200-144.275:  General SSB operation 144.275-144.300:  Propagation Beacons 144.300-144.500:  Proposed OSCAR (Satellite and Spacecraft) subband (new) - Please avoid other types of operation. 144.390:  Nationwide APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) Packet chanel. 144.500-144.900:  2 Meter FM repeater inputs (odd-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning at 144.510 MHz) 144.900-145.200*:  Simplex/Duplex Packet operation - see note* 145.100-145.500*:  2 Meter FM Repeater outputs (odd-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning with 145.210 MHz or 145.110 MHz - see note*) 145.500-145.800:  Simplex, miscellaneous/experimental (no repeater operation allowed per FCC part 97.205) using various modes (odd-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning with 145.510) 145.800-146.000:  OSCAR (Satellite and Spacecraft) subband - Please avoid other types of operation. 146.000-146.400:  2 Meter FM repeater inputs (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning at 146.020 MHz) 146.420-146.600:  2 Meter FM simplex operation (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning at 146.420 MHz) 146.600-147.400:  2 Meter FM repeater outputs (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning at 146.620 MHz) 147.400-147.600:  2 Meter FM simplex operation (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning at 147.400 MHz) 147.600-148.000:  2 Meter FM repeater inputs (even-numbered 20 KHz channels from 147.620 MHz to 147.980 MHz) Notes: For repeaters with outputs on 147.000 MHz and below, Utah uses a Negative 600 KHz split. Those repeaters with output above 147.000 MHz use a Positive 600 KHz split. * Frequencies down to 145.11 have been coordinated for voice repeater operation.  Typically, these channels are 12.5kHz-spaced D-Star, but there exist 20 kHz channels as well.  The use of these frequencies for packet and/or voice (at 12.5 or 20 kHz spacing) is dependent on local requirements.

1.25 Meters (or "The 222 MHz band"):

This is the "quiet" band.  It behaves very much like 2 meters - except that there are few fewer people on it.  Why is activity relatively sparse here?  Most of the world does not have this band.  Also, there is relatively little commercially available gear for "nearby" frequencies that can be easily modified for this band.  Because of these reasons, equipment is a bit harder to obtain and more expensive.

Nevertheless, this band is often used for linking and control purposes.  It is often used by those people who just want to go where it is quiet...

FM Simplex operation on 1.25 meters:

On the 222 MHz band, FM simplex operations occur from 223.420 to 223.520 using six even-numbered 20 KHz channels.
 

Utah 1.25 Meter (222 MHz) Bandplan 222.000-222.150:  Weak signal work - No FM voice (no repeater operation allowed per  FCC §97.205) 222.000-222.025: EME ("Moonbounce") 222.050-222.060:  Propagation Beacons 222.100:  CW/Weak signal calling frequency 222.100-222.150:  Weak signal CW and SSB operation 222.150-222.250:  Misc. simplex, links, and control 222.250-223.400:  1.25 Meter FM Repeater inputs (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning with 222.260 MHz) 223.400-223.520:  1.25 Meter FM Simplex (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning with 223.420) 223.520-223.640:  Digital/Packet operation 223.640-223.700:  Misc. simplex, links, and control 223.700-223.850:  Misc. simplex, links, and control 223.850-225.000:  1.25 Meter FM Repeater outputs (even-numbered 20 KHz channels beginning with 223.860 MHz) Notes: There is an additional conditional amateur allocation from 219 to 220 MHz for digital operation only.  Refer to FCC §97.305 for more information. Utah uses the standard 1.6 MHz negative split on this band for repeater operation.

70 Centimeters:

This is one of our most important bands:  Not only is it popular for simplex and repeater operation, it is heavily used for control, auxiliary, and linking purposes - the sorts of things that tie systems together and allow them to work.

There are also numerous other modes available on this band:

• High-speed packet operation.  Operation of up to 56 kbaud is permissible
• EME ("Moonbounce") - on 70 cm, the smaller antenna sizes and modest power requirements make this mode more practical than on other bands.
• ATV (Amateur Television) - The frequencies used for amateur fast-scan TV are tunable by almost any cable-ready TV or VCR:  You can probably see ATV activity with equipment that you already have.
• Amateur Satellite operation - 70 cm is often used in conjunction with 2 meters in satellite operations.  Many of the newer satellites may be "worked" with HT power and very small beams!

FM Simplex operation on 70 cm:

For whatever reason, as large as 70 cm is, there are presently only four official simplex frequencies in use in Utah.  These are:

446.000, 446.500, 447.800, and 447.850 MHz.

Utah 70 cm (440 MHz) Bandplan 420.000-425.000:  Misc. links, and control 425.000-431.000:  ATV Repeater Output (Northern Utah/Wasatch Front) 425.000-431.000:  Misc. links and control (Central/southern Utah) 431.000-432.000:  Digital/Packet operation (9600+ baud) 432.000-432.100:  Weak signal work - No FM (no repeater operation allowed per FCC part 97.205) 432.000-432.070:  EME ("Moonbounce") 432.070-432.100:  Weak signal CW 432.100-433.000:  Weak signal work, various modes - No FM voice (no repeater operation allowed per FCC part 97.205) 432.300-432.400:  Propagation Beacons 432.400-433.000:  Mixed mode and weak signal work 433.000-435.000:  Misc. links, and control 435.000-438.000:  OSCAR (Satellite and Spacecraft) subband - Please avoid other types of operation. Note:  Simplex ATV activity occasionally occurs on 434.000.  When operating in this manner, please be considerate of the weak signal, link operators, and satellite users. 438.000-441.000:  Links, control and local simplex usage 440.050-441.050:  Misc. Digital/Packet operation (except Northern Utah/Wasatch Front) 441.000-442.000:  Links, control 442.000-445.000:  70cm FM repeater inputs (25 kHz channels) with some linking/control. 445.000-447.000:  Simplex, links and control Note:  446.000, 446.500, 447.800, 447.825 and 447.850 are used for 70 cm simplex operation in Utah, (447.850 is to be used only along the Wasatch Front) 447.000-450.000:  70 cm FM repeater outputs (25 kHz channels) with some linking/control. Note: On 70 cm, Utah uses a negative 5 MHz split for all repeater operation.

33 Centimeters and above:

Operation on our microwave bands is encouraged.  For recommendations as to how to operate on this band, it is suggested that you reference the ARRL Repeater Directory and contact the Frequency Coordinator for more information.

Note:  "Wasatch Front" means, in this document, the area from Provo to the Idaho border, along the I-15 corridor, plus Logan, Tooele, Heber, and Morgan.

Questions or comments pertaining to the content and/or layout of this page may be directed to:uvhfs@utahvhfs.org

This page was last updated on 20181114

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