Frequency allocation


Frequency allocation is the allocation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into radio frequency bands, which is 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".
Frequency allocation is also a special term, used in national frequency administration. Other terms are:

Bodies

Several bodies set standards for frequency allocation, including:
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:
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.

Some example frequency allocations

Some of the bands listed have gaps / are not continuous allocations.
SourceFrequency Typical radiated
power
Longwave BCB 0.150–0.285320
AM BCB 0.525–1.605500
AM BCB 0.530–1.71050
Amateur1.8–29.70.16
Citizens band26.9–27.40.004
Amateur28–300.2
Land mobile29–540.1
Amateur50–540.2
TV low VHF54–88100
Land mobile 65–850.1
FM BCB 76–9044
FM BCB 88–108105
Aircraft108–1361
Land mobile 120–1600.1
Land mobile132–17418–100
Land mobile 142–170
Amateur144–1480.2
TV high VHF174–216316
Land mobile216–2220.2
Amateur222–2250.1
Land mobile 335–384
Land mobile406–5120.1
Land mobile 450–470
Amateur430–4500.1
TV UHF470–8065000
Land mobile806–9470.035
Cellular AMPS806–9470.003
Amateur
Land mobile
GPS		1200–1600
Cellular PCS1700–20000.003
ISM
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi		2400–25000.0000025