What Radio Frequency Can Civilians Use in the UK? A Quick Guide

In the UK, the radio spectrum is a finite resource managed by Ofcom. It is a specific portion of the vast electromagnetic spectrum, which is composed of travelling electromagnetic waves. These waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, exist all around us. They range from the extremely low frequency (ELF) waves at the very lower limit of the spectrum used to communicate with submarines, through the microwave bands in your oven, all the way to X-rays used to generate images in hospitals. Scientists are even exploring the upper limits of the spectrum for applications like ultrafast molecular dynamics and developing technologies that could one day replace x rays for certain types of imaging.

Radio waves are defined by their frequency—the number of cycles per second, expressed in Hertz (Hz). One thousand hertz is a kilohertz (kHz), and one million is a megahertz (MHz). The wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency; a high frequency signal has a short wavelength, while a long wave signal has a very long one. These different frequencies have unique properties, which is why different parts of the spectrum are used for different purposes.

This spectrum is divided into frequency bands to support countless different application areas. Consider the sheer number of applications and different services vying for a slice:

• Broadcasting: Your car's FM radio, digital television, and traditional long wave broadcasts.
  
• Communications: Your mobile phones, which use certain frequencies in the mid band to transmit data and voice.
  
• Data and Internet: Wi-Fi (wireless LAN) and other wireless systems operating in a local area.
  
• Specialist Services: Satellite television broadcasting, satellite systems for NASA, air traffic control, and crucial channels for emergency services.
  
• Other Technologies: Remote control systems, navigation devices (like GPS), radar bands used by most modern radars, and countless other services.

To avoid interference between these different users, the radio spectrum frequencies are strictly regulated by national laws. In the UK, Ofcom's role is to manage this complex allocation. They operate within a global framework established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an international body based in Geneva, Switzerland. This international convention began decades ago to ensure that radio technologies could develop in an orderly fashion. The ITU divides the spectrum into non-overlapping ranges, and this band plan helps ensure that the many frequencies used can coexist across Europe, Asia, and the world. Transmitting on the wrong frequency with too much RF energy can interfere with critical radio services, causing serious problems.

It's also worth noting there are several incompatible naming systems for these bands. While the ITU has a numerical system, you'll often hear engineers or the military use traditional name systems or military designations (e.g., D band for certain radar applications), which can be confusing at the beginning.

But don't worry! It’s not as complicated as it sounds. For civilians, there are three main pathways for using two-way radios. Here at Baofeng Radio UK, we'll walk you through your options.