Frequency allocation (or spectrum allocation) is the part of spectrum management dealing with the designation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into frequency bands, normally done by governments in most countries. Because radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries, governments have sought to harmonise the allocation of RF bands and their standardization.
ITU definition The International Telecommunication Union defines frequency allocation as being of "a given frequency band for the purpose of its use by one or more terrestrial or space radiocommunication services or the radio astronomy service under specified conditions".ITU Radio Regulations, Section IV. Radio Stations and Systems – Article 1.16, definition: allocation (of a frequency band).
Frequency allocation is also a special term, used in national frequency administration. Other terms are:
+ ITU-terms pertaining to frequency regulation Frequencydistribution to: ITU languages ITU RR(article) French English Spanish Arabic Chinese Russian Radiocommunication services attribution(attribuer) allocation(to allocate) atribución(atribuir) 划分 распределение(распределять) 1.16 Regions or countries allotissement(allotir) allotment(to allot) adjudicación(adjudicar) 分配 выделение(выделять) 1.17 Radio stations assignation(assigner) assignment(to assign) asignación(asignar) 指配присвоение(присваивать) 1.18
Bodies Several bodies set standards for frequency allocation, including: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)
To improve harmonisation in spectrum utilisation, most service allocations are incorporated in national Tables of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations within the responsibility of the appropriate national administration. Allocations are: primary secondary exclusive or shared utilization, within the responsibility of national administrations.
Allocations of military usage will be in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations. In NATO countries, military mobile utilizations are made in accordance with the NATO Joint Civil/Military Frequency Agreement (NJFA).
Examples Some of the bands listed (e.g., amateur 1.8–29.7 MHz) have gaps / are not continuous allocations.
+ Common frequencies SourceFrequency (MHz)Typical radiatedpower (kW)Wavelength (meters) (approx)Longwave BCB (EU)0.150–0.285320AM BCB (EU & J)0.525–1.605500630AM BCB (US)0.530–1.71050Amateur1.8–29.70.16 (mobile)15Citizens band26.9–27.40.00412Amateur28–300.2 (mobile)10Land mobile29–540.1Amateur50–540.2 (mobile)6TV low VHF54–88100Land mobile (EU)65–850.1FM BCB (J)76–9044FM BCB (US & EU)88–108105Aircraft108–1361Land mobile (EU)120–1600.1Land mobile132–17418–100Land mobile (J)142–170Amateur144–1480.2 (mobile)2TV high VHF174–216316Land mobile216–2220.2Amateur222–2250.1 (mobile)1.25Land mobile (J)335–384Land mobile406–5120.1Land mobile (J)450–470.70Amateur430–4500.1 (mobile)TV UHF470–8065000Land mobile806–9470.035.33Cellular AMPS806–9470.003.33AmateurLand mobileGPS1200–1600.23Cellular PCS1700–20000.003ISMBluetoothWi-Fi 2400–25000.0000025
BCB is an abbreviation for broadcast band, for commercial radio news and music broadcasts.
See also Spectrum management Amateur radio frequency allocations
References
External links International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ITU Radio Regulations - Volume 1 (Article 5) international table of frequency allocation by ITU Region. Alternative at ITU persistent link