More countries on the new 60m ham band

So far, up to nine nations have given their radio amateurs access to the 60m band, although some are imposing severe limitations on its use.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, the United States including its dependences have opened up 5MHz channels for use by radio amateurs. The UK and the US allocations include a common frequency of 5403.5kHz.

The push for the band by the International Amateur Radio Union through its member societies is in recognition that the band fills a propagation gap between the 80m and 40m bands.

Germany has permitted an amateur beacon callsign DRA5 to operate on a frequency of 5195kHz to enable propagation testing using CW and a various digital modes.

In New Zealand, the frequency 5680kHz is available for emergency communications and training by the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (AREC). Norway has also given access to two channels for internal emergency
communications by radio amateurs.

There has been a report of amateur stations in Portugal and Russia on 5398.5kHz but no confirmation is available as to official approval for 60m band operation in those countries.

The Australian Communications Authority is considering a request from the WIA for channels to be available for VK radio amateurs for propagation tests and general communications.

(Jim Linton VK3PC)

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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