🌐 Summary
6 MHz (range 5–6 MHz) is part of Shortwave Broadcasting (60m) within the HF spectrum.
Quick summary: 6 MHz is allocated to International Shortwave Broadcasting (60m). Used for international shortwave broadcasting. Applications include shortwave broadcasts, international radio, limited amateur. Operators: Voice of America, BBC, Radio China, religious broadcasters. Technology: AM, SSB. Broadcast license required.
Primary use: International shortwave broadcasting
Common applications: Shortwave broadcasts, international radio, limited amateur
Technology: AM, SSB
Quick Facts Shortwave broadcasting band used by international stations. During solar maximum conditions, a station here can be heard on the opposite side of Earth. The ionosphere acts as a giant radio mirror.
Source: 47 CFR Part 73
Amateur: 5.3305, 5.3465, 5.3570, 5.3715, 5.4035 MHz
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 6 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 5 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 6 |
| Band Name | Shortwave Broadcasting (60m) |
| Spectrum Block | HF |
| Popular Name | Shortwave / 60 Meter |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | Shared |
| Protected Services | International shortwave broadcasting (ITU allocations) |
| Related Frequencies | 1-11 MHz band |
📜 FCC Rules & Licensing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Service Type | BROADCASTING / FIXED / MOBILE |
| FCC Secondary Services | Amateur (5.3-5.4 MHz limited) |
| FCC Part Number | Part 73 |
| FCC Rule Section | 47 CFR Part 73 (Broadcasting) |
| License Required | Yes |
| License Type | Broadcasting license (not required for listening) |
| License Fee Type | Application fee |
| Annual Regulatory Fee | Yes |
| License Term (Years) | 10 |
| Renewal Expectancy | High |
| Auction History | Not auctioned (comparative licensing) |
| Refarming Status | Stable |
| Geographic Restrictions | Border coordination may apply near Canada/Mexico |
| Quiet Zones | No |
| Coordination Required | Frequency coordination required |
| Warnings / Notices | Unauthorized transmission is illegal and subject to FCC enforcement |
⚙️ RF & Technical
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | AM, SSB |
| Modulation | AM (A3E), SSB |
| Typical Bandwidth | 12.5 kHz / 25 kHz |
| Transmitter Type | High-power shortwave transmitters |
| Receiver Type | Two-way radio receiver |
| Typical Power (W) | 10000-500000 |
| Maximum Power Limit | Varies by station class (50kW-500kW typical) |
| ERP Limit | Varies (typically 50-500 kW ERP for international broadcasters) |
| Antenna Height Limits | Varies |
| Antenna (Quarter-Wave) | 39.00 ft (1188.7 cm) |
| Duplex Mode | Simplex |
| Paired Frequency | Varies by application |
| Channelization | 200 kHz (FM), 6 MHz (TV) |
| Guard Bands (kHz) | Varies |
| Emission Designator | Varies |
| Emission Mask | FCC standards |
| Part 15 Device Limits | Not applicable (licensed spectrum) |
| Spread Spectrum Allowed | No |
| Frequency Hopping Allowed | No |
| Power Control Required | No |
🌤️ Propagation
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Propagation Mode | Ionospheric skip (global) |
| Typical Range (Miles) | Global (1000s) |
| Day vs Night Differences | Strong variation |
| Atmospheric Effects | Ionospheric effects |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | International shortwave broadcasting |
| Common Applications | Shortwave broadcasts, international radio, limited amateur |
| Can You Listen? | Generally legal to listen (content may vary) |
| Encryption Status | Not encrypted (public broadcast) |
| Popular Radio Models | Tecsun PL-880, Tecsun PL-660, Sangean ATS-909X, Sony ICF-SW7600GR, CCrane Skywave SSB, RTL-SDR Blog V3, Airspy HF+ |
| License Holders | International broadcasters |
| Major Operators | Voice of America, BBC, Radio China, religious broadcasters |
| Government Use | No |
| Military Use | No |
| Public Safety | No |
| Critical Infrastructure | No |
| Amateur Radio | Partial |
| ISM Band | No |
| Unlicensed Operation | No |
| Consumer Equipment | No |
| Common Devices | Shortwave receivers (Tecsun PL-880, Sangean ATS-909X, Sony ICF-SW7600GR), portable radios, SDR receivers (RTL-SDR, Airspy HF+) |
| Receive Only | No |
| Radio Astronomy | No |
| Satellite Downlink | No |
| Passive Service | No |
| Spectrum Occupancy (Estimated) | Varies |
| Urban vs Rural | Urban focused |
| Deployment Density | Medium |
🌎 International
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ITU Region 2 Allocation | BROADCASTING |
| International Harmonization | ITU Region 2 shortwave broadcasting allocation |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | 1940s |
| Legacy Uses | Historical allocations stable |
| Future Plans | Stable |
🧾 Compliance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Certification Required | No |
| Equipment Authorization Type | Certification required |
| FCC ID Required | No |
| Compliance Testing | FCC equipment authorization required |