List of amateur radio frequency bands in India

Amateur radio or ham radio is a hobby that is practised by over 16,000 licenced users in India.[1] Licences are granted by the Wireless and Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), a branch of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. In addition, the WPC allocates frequency spectrum in India. The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978 lists five licence categories:[2]

To obtain a licence in the first four categories, candidates must pass the Amateur Station Operator's Certificate examination conducted by the WPC. This exam is held monthly in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, every two months in Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Hyderabad, and every four months in some smaller cities.[3] The examination consists of two 50-mark written sections: Radio theory and practice, Regulations; and a practical test consisting of a demonstration of Morse code proficiency in sending and receiving.[4] After passing the examination, the candidate must clear a police interview. After clearance, the WPC grants the licence along with the user-chosen call sign. This procedure can take up to one year.[5] This licence is valid for up to five years.[6]

Each licence category has certain privileges allotted to it, including the allotment of frequencies, output power, and the emission modes. This article list the various frequencies allotted to various classes, and the corresponding emission modes and input DC power.

Contents

Allotted spectrum

The following table lists the frequencies that amateur radio operators in India can operate on.

Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type
6 &100000000000018200000001.820–1.860 &10000000000000160000000160 m MF
7 &100000000000035000000003.500–3.700 &1000000000000008000000080 m HF
7 &100000000000038900000003.890–3.900 &1000000000000008000000080 m HF
7 &100000000000070000000007.000–7.100 &1000000000000004000000040 m HF
7 &1000000000001400000000014.000–14.350 &1000000000000002000000020 m HF
7 &1000000000001806800000018.068–18.168 &1000000000000001700000017 m HF
7 &1000000000002100000000021.000–21.450 &1000000000000001500000015 m HF
7 &1000000000002489000000024.890–24.990 &1000000000000001200000012 m HF
7 &1000000000002800000000028.000–29.700 &1000000000000001000000010 m HF
8 &10000000000144000000000144–146 &100000000000000020000002 m VHF
9 &10000000000434000000000434–438 &1000000000000000070000070 cm UHF
9 &100000000012600000000001260–1300 &1000000000000000023000023 cm UHF
10 &100000000033000000000003300–3400 &100000000000000000900009 cm SHF
10 &100000000057250000000005725–5840 &100000000000000000500005 cm SHF

Emission designations

Main article: Types of radio emissions

The International Telecommunication Union uses an internationally agreed system for classifying radio frequency signals. Each Type of radio emission is classified according to its bandwidth, method of modulation, nature of the modulating signal, and Type of information transmitted on the carrier signal. It is based on characteristics of the signal, not on the transmitter used.

An emission designation is of the form BBBB 123 45, where BBBB is the bandwidth of the signal, 1 is a letter indicating the Type of modulation used, 2 is a digit representing the Type of modulating signal, 3 is a letter corresponding to the Type of information transmitted, 4 is a letter indicating the practical details of the transmitted information, and 5 is a letter that represents the method of multiplexing. The 4 and 5 fields are optional. For example, an emission designation would appear read as 500H A3E, where 500H translates to 500 Hz, and A3E is the emission mode as permitted.

The WPC has authorized the following emission modes:[7]

Emission Details
A1A
A2A
  • Single channel containing digital information, using a subcarrier,
  • Aural telegraphy, intended to be decoded by ear, such as Morse code
A3E
  • Double-sideband amplitude modulation (AM radio),
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
A3X
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • None of the other listed types of emission
A3F[nb 1]
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • Video (television signals)
F1B
  • Frequency modulation,
  • Single channel containing digital information, no subcarrier,
  • Electronic telegraphy, intended to be decoded by machine (radioteletype and digital modes)
F2B
  • Frequency modulation,
  • Single channel containing digital information, using a subcarrier,
  • Electronic telegraphy, intended to be decoded by machine (radioteletype and digital modes)
F3E
  • Frequency modulation,
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • Telephony (audio)
F3C
  • Frequency modulation,
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • Facsimile (still images)
H3E
  • Single-sideband with full carrier,
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • Telephony (audio)
J3E
R3E
  • Single-sideband with reduced or variable carrier,
  • Single channel containing analogue information,
  • Telephony (audio)

Licence categories

Short Wave Listener

The Short Wave Listener's Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence allows listening on all amateur radio frequency bands, but prohibits transmission. The minimum age is 12.[8]

Grade II Restricted

The Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence licence requires a minimum score of 40% in each section of the written examination, and 50% overall.[9] The minimum age is 12 years.[8] The licence allows a user to make terrestrial radiotelephony (voice) transmission in two VHF frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 10 W.[2]

Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type Emission Power (W)
8 144–146 2 m VHF A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E, F3E 10[nb 2]
9 434–438[nb 3] 70 cm UHF A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E, F3E 10[nb 2]

Grade II

The Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade–II licence requires the same scores as the Grade II Restricted, and in addition a demonstration of proficiency in sending and receiving Morse code at five words a minute.[9] The minimum age is 12 years.[8] The licence allows the user to make radiotelegraphy (Morse code) and radiotelephony transmission in 11 frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 50 W.

A Grade II licence holder can only be authorized the use of radio telephony emission on frequency bands below 30 MHz on submission of proof that 100 contacts have been made with other amateurs operators using CW (Morse code).[2]

Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type Emission Power (W)
6 1.820–1.860[nb 4] 160 m MF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 3.500–3.700[nb 4] 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 3.890–3.900 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 7.000–7.100 40 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 14.000–14.350 20 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 18.068–18.168[nb 5] 17 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 21.000–21.450 15 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 24.890–24.990 12 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
7 28.000–29.700 10 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 50
8 144–146 2 m VHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 10[nb 2]
9 434–438[nb 3] 70 cm UHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, J3E, R3E 10[nb 2]

Grade I

The Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade–I requires a minimum of 50% in each section of the written examination, and 55% overall, and a demonstration of proficiency in sending and receiving Morse code at 12 words a minute.[9] The minimum age is 14 years.[8] The licence allows a user to make radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony transmission in 14 frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 150 W. In addition, satellite communication, facsimile, and television modes are permitted.[2]

Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type Emission Power (W)
6 1.820–1.860[nb 4] 160 m MF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 3.500–3.700[nb 4] 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 3.890–3.900 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2A, F3E, F3C, A3C, A3F 150
7 7.000–7.100 40 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 14.000–14.350 20 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 18.068–18.168[nb 5] 17 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 21.000–21.450 15 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 24.890–24.990 12 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 28.000–29.700 10 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
8 144–146 2 m VHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
9 434–438[nb 3] 70 cm UHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
9 1260–1300[nb 3][nb 6] 23 cm UHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
10 3300–3400[nb 3] 9 cm SHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
10 5725–5840[nb 3] 5 cm SHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]

Advanced Grade

The Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence is the highest licence category. To obtain the licence, an applicant must be 18 years of age.[8] pass an advanced electronics examination, along with the Rules and Regulations section and Morse code sending and receiving at 12 words per minute.[9] The maximum power permitted is 400 W in selected sub-bands.[2]

Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type Emission Power (W)
6 1.820–1.860[nb 4] 160 m MF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 3.500–3.700[nb 4] 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 3.890–3.900 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 7.000–7.100 40 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 14.000–14.350 20 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 18.068–18.168[nb 5] 17 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 21.000–21.450 15 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 24.890–24.990 12 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
7 28.000–29.700 10 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 150
8 144–146 2 m VHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 50
9 434–438[nb 3] 70 cm UHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
9 1260–1300[nb 3][nb 6] 23 cm UHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
10 3300–3400[nb 3] 9 cm SHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
10 5725–5840[nb 3] 5 cm SHF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 25[nb 2]
400 W sub-bands
Band Frequency (MHz) Wavelength Type Emission Power (W)
7 3.520–3.540[nb 4] 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400
7 3.890–3.900 80 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400
7 7.050–7.100 40 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400
7 14.050–14.150 20 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400
7 14.220–14.320 20 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400
7 21.100–21.400 15 m HF A1A, A2A, A3E, H3E, R3E, J3E, F1B, F2B, F3E, F3C, A3X, A3F 400

See also

Notes

  1. ^ For A3F emission, the transmission is restricted to call sign of the station, location and other particulars. This is limited to point-to-point test transmission that employs a standard interlace and scanning with a bandwidth not more than 4 kHz.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Terrestrial service only
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j On secondary basis as per the regular provisions of radio regulations. The above authorization is subject to site clearance as per the procedure prescribed by the Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA) as applicable.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g On primary shared basis as per the regular provisions of radio regulations.
  5. ^ a b c Authorization on non-interference and non-protection basis.
  6. ^ a b Earth to satellite service only. Satellite service is permitted in accordance with radio regulations and in those cases where the maximum output RF power is 30 dbw.

References

  1. ^ Ramchandran, Ramesh (2005-03-03). "Government to promote amateur radio". The Tribune. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050304/nation.htm#10. Retrieved 2008-07-27. 
  2. ^ a b c d e Annexure V "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  3. ^ Appendix II "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  4. ^ Annexure III, Appendix I, Section 2.3 "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  5. ^ "Ham operators are a cut above the rest". Times of India (Times Group). 2007-05-21. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Ham_operators_are_a_cut_above_the_rest/articleshow/2063133.cms. Retrieved 2008-07-25. 
  6. ^ Section 12 "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  7. ^ Verma, Rajesh (1988). ABC of Amateur Radio and Citizen Band. EFY Publications. 
  8. ^ a b c d e Section 5 "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  9. ^ a b c d Annexure III, Appendix I "The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Radio) Rules, 1978". Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi. 1979. pp. 34. http://www.arsi.info/images/wpc78full.pdf. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
This article incorporates text from the "Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978" in compliance with the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 Section 52 (1)(q)