In this section we look at why we have band-plans.
There is a limited amount of radio spectrum available to radio amateurs. Radio amateurs want to make contacts using Morse Code, Single Side Band, FM and various data modes. In order to make best use of the available spectrum, each band has a band-plan to show what types of signal are used in which parts of each band.
Copies of the 20m (14.000 to 14.350 MHz) and 2m (144.000 to 146.000 MHz) band plans are used as examples. But you should be aware that there are band-plans for all amateur bands. You do NOT need to learn any band-plans, but you should be aware of them, and understand how they are used, and be able to refer to them.
Generally narrow band modes such as Morse Code and data are at the lower frequency end of each band plan, followed by SSB and data.
On bands that permit single sideband operation (SSB), lower sideband is used on bands below 10MHz, whilst upper sideband (USB) is used on bands above 10MHz
Many bands have a small amount of the band reserved for beacons. You should avoid transmitting on beacon frequencies, so that the weak signals from beacons can be heard by those wishing to listen to them.
You should familiarise yourself with the terms used in band-plans. Please refer to our Jargon Buster for any terms you are unfamiliar with.