(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.
In the application of the ITU Radio Regulations, the Radiocommunication Bureau uses the following units:
kHz: For frequencies up to 28 000 kHz inclusive;
MHz: For frequencies above 28 000 kHz up to 10 500 MHz inclusive; and
GHz: For frequencies above 10 500 MHz.
| Band number | Symbols | Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive) | Corresponding metric subdivision | Metric abbreviations for the bands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | VLF | 3 to 30 kHz | Myriametric waves | B.Mam |
| 5 | LF | 30 to 300 kHz | Kilometric waves | B.km |
| 6 | MF | 300 to 3 000 kHz | Hectometric waves | B.hm |
| 7 | HF | 3 to 30 MHz | Decametric waves | B.dam |
| 8 | VHF | 30 to 300 MHz | Metric waves | B.m |
| 9 | UHF | 300 to 3 000 MHz | Decimetric waves | B.dm |
| 10 | SHF | 3 to 30 GHz | Centimetric waves | B.cm |
| 11 | EHF | 30 to 300 GHz | Millimetric waves | B.mm |
| 12 | 300 to 3 000 GHz | Decimillimetric waves |
Note 1: “Band N” (N = band number) extends from 0.3 × 10 N Hz to 3 × 10 N Hz.
Note 2: Prefix: k = kilo (10 3), M = mega (10 6), G = giga (10 9).
(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.
| Band No. | Symbols (terms) 2 | Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive) | Corresponding metric subdivision | Metric abbreviations for the bands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | VLF (very low frequency) | 3 to 30 kHz | Myriametric waves | B.Mam |
| 5 | LF (low frequency) | 30 to 300 kHz | Kilometric waves | B.km |
| 6 | MF (medium frequency) | 300 to 3,000 kHz | Hectometric waves | B.hm |
| 7 | HF (high frequency) | 3 to 30 MHz | Decametric waves | B.dam |
| 8 | VHF (very high frequency) | 30 to 300 MHz | Metric waves | B.m |
| 9 | UHF (ultra high frequency) | 300 to 3,000 MHz | Decimetric waves | B.dm |
| 10 | SHF (super high frequency) | 3 to 30 GHz | Centimetric waves | B.cm |
| 11 | EHF (extremely high frequency) | 30 to 300 GHz | Millimetric waves | B.mm |
| 12 | 300 to 3,000 GHz | Decimillimetric waves |
NOTE 1: “Band N” (N = band number) extends from 0.3 × 10 N Hz to 3 × 10 N Hz.
NOTE 2: Prefix: k = kilo (10 3), M = mega (10 6), G = giga (10 9).