Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

47 CFR 2.101: Frequency and wavelength bands.

(a) The radio spectrum shall be subdivided into nine frequency bands, which shall be designated by progressive whole numbers in accordance with the following table. As the unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz), frequencies shall be expressed:
(1) In kilohertz (kHz), up to and including 3 000 kHz;
(2) In megahertz (MHz), above 3 MHz, up to and including 3 000 MHz;
(3) In gigahertz (GHz), above 3 GHz, up to and including 3 000 GHz.
(b) However, where adherence to these provisions would introduce serious difficulties, for example in connection with the notification and registration of frequencies, the lists of frequencies and related matters, reasonable departures may be made. 1
Table 1 to Paragraph (b)
Band No. Symbols Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive) Corresponding metric subdivision
4 VLF 3 to 30 kHz Myriametric waves.
5 LF 30 to 300 kHz Kilometric waves.
6 MF 300 to 3 000 kHz Hectometric waves.
7 HF 3 to 30 MHz Decametric waves.
8 VHF 30 to 300 MHz Metric waves.
9 UHF 300 to 3 000 MHz Decimetric waves.
10 SHF 3 to 30 GHz Centimetric waves.
11 EHF 30 to 300 GHz Millimetric waves.
12 300 to 3 000 GHz Decimillimetric waves.
Note 1: “Band N” (N = band number) extends from 0.3 × 10N Hz to 3 × 10N Hz.
Note 2: Prefix: k = kilo (103), M = mega (106), G = giga (109).
(c) In communications between administrations and the ITU, no names, symbols or abbreviations should be used for the various frequency bands other than those specified in this section.

Where this section sits in the code

Title 47—Telecommunication
CHAPTER I—FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL
PART 2—FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
Subpart B—Allocation, Assignment, and Use of Radio Frequencies

(1) In kilohertz (kHz), up to and including 3 000 kHz;

(2) In megahertz (MHz), above 3 MHz, up to and including 3 000 MHz;

(3) In gigahertz (GHz), above 3 GHz, up to and including 3 000 GHz.

(b) However, where adherence to these provisions would introduce serious difficulties, for example in connection with the notification and registration of frequencies, the lists of frequencies and related matters, reasonable departures may be made. 1

Table 1 to Paragraph (b)

Band No. Symbols Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive) Corresponding metric subdivision

4 VLF 3 to 30 kHz Myriametric waves.

5 LF 30 to 300 kHz Kilometric waves.

6 MF 300 to 3 000 kHz Hectometric waves.

7 HF 3 to 30 MHz Decametric waves.

8 VHF 30 to 300 MHz Metric waves.

9 UHF 300 to 3 000 MHz Decimetric waves.

10 SHF 3 to 30 GHz Centimetric waves.

11 EHF 30 to 300 GHz Millimetric waves.

12 300 to 3 000 GHz Decimillimetric waves.

Note 1: “Band N” (N = band number) extends from 0.3 × 10N Hz to 3 × 10N Hz.

Note 2: Prefix: k = kilo (103), M = mega (106), G = giga (109).

(c) In communications between administrations and the ITU, no names, symbols or abbreviations should be used for the various frequency bands other than those specified in this section.

Collected 2026-08-27T02:26:28Z. Source file · JSON

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