🌐 Summary
8 MHz (range 8–9 MHz) is part of Shortwave Broadcasting within the HF spectrum.
Quick summary: 8 MHz is allocated to International Shortwave Broadcasting. Used for international shortwave broadcasting. Applications include international radio broadcasts. Operators: BBC, VOA, international broadcasters. Technology: AM, DRM. Broadcast license required.
Primary use: International shortwave broadcasting
Common applications: International radio broadcasts
Technology: AM, DRM
Quick Facts Shortwave broadcasting and fixed point-to-point communications. Before satellites, companies and governments used HF radio to relay messages across oceans. Some services continue today.
Source: 47 CFR Part 73
41-meter shortwave band. Used for international broadcasting. Band is less crowded than 31m (9 MHz) making signals easier to find.
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 8 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 8 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 9 |
| Band Name | Shortwave Broadcasting |
| Spectrum Block | HF |
| Popular Name | Shortwave (41m Band) |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | No (shared internationally) |
| Protected Services | International shortwave broadcasting (ITU allocations) |
| Related Frequencies | 3-13 MHz band |
📜 FCC Rules & Licensing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Service Type | BROADCASTING / FIXED |
| FCC Secondary Services | See primary allocation |
| 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, DRM |
| Modulation | FM, digital |
| Typical Bandwidth | 12.5 kHz / 25 kHz |
| Transmitter Type | Two-way radio transmitter |
| Receiver Type | Two-way radio receiver |
| Typical Power (W) | 5-100 |
| 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) | 29.25 ft (891.5 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 |
| Typical Range (Miles) | Global |
| Day vs Night Differences | Significant (ionospheric changes) |
| Atmospheric Effects | Ionospheric effects |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | International shortwave broadcasting |
| Common Applications | International radio broadcasts |
| Can You Listen? | Generally legal to listen (content may vary) |
| Encryption Status | Not encrypted (public broadcast) |
| Popular Radio Models | Tecsun PL-880 (best seller), Tecsun PL-660, Sangean ATS-909X, Eton Grundig Satellit, RTL-SDR Blog V3, SDRplay RSPdx |
| License Holders | International broadcasters (VOA, BBC, Deutsche Welle, etc.) |
| Major Operators | BBC, VOA, international broadcasters |
| Government Use | No |
| Military Use | No |
| Public Safety | No |
| Critical Infrastructure | No |
| Amateur Radio | No |
| ISM Band | No |
| Unlicensed Operation | No |
| Consumer Equipment | No |
| Common Devices | Shortwave receivers (Tecsun, Sangean, Sony), portable world band radios, SDR receivers (RTL-SDR, SDRplay RSPdx), scanner receivers |
| 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 / Fixed (7.3-8.1 MHz) |
| International Harmonization | ITU Region 2 shortwave broadcasting allocation |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | 1940s-1950s (shortwave broadcasting era) |
| 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 |