1.25-meter band explained

The 1.25-meter, 220 MHz or 222 MHz band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum internationally allocated for amateur radio use on a primary basis in ITU Region 2, and it comprises frequencies from 220 MHz to 225 MHz. In the United States and Canada, the band is available on a primary basis from 222 to 225 MHz, with the addition of 219 to 220 MHz on a limited, secondary basis. It is not available for use in ITU Region 1 (except in Somalia) or ITU Region 3. The license privileges of amateur radio operators include the use of frequencies within this band, which is primarily used for local communications.

History

The 1.25-meter band has a very long and colorful history, dating back to before World War II.

Pre-Cairo Conference

Some experimental amateur use in the U.S. was known to occur on the "-meter band" as early as 1933, with reliable communications achieved in fall of 1934.^[1]

The Cairo Conference

In 1938, the FCC gave U.S. amateurs privileges in two VHF bands: 2.5 meters (112 MHz) and 1.25 meters (224 MHz).^[2] Both bands (as well as 70 centimeters) were natural harmonics of the 5-meter band. Amateur privileges in the 2.5-meter band were later moved to 144–148 MHz (becoming the modern-day 2-meter band), and the old frequencies were reassigned to aircraft communication during World War II. At that time, the 1.25-meter band expanded to a 5 MHz bandwidth, spanning 220–225 MHz.

The VHF/UHF explosion

Amateur use of VHF and UHF allocations exploded in the late 1960s and early 1970s as repeaters started going on the air. Repeater use sparked a huge interest in the 2-meter and 70-centimeter (420–450 MHz) bands; however, this interest never fully found its way into the 1.25-meter band. Many amateurs attribute this to the abundance of commercial radio equipment designed for 136–174 MHz and 450–512 MHz that amateurs could easily modify for use on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. There were no commercial frequency allocations near the 1.25-meter band, and little commercial radio equipment was available. This meant that amateurs who wanted to experiment with the 1.25-meter band had to build their own equipment or purchase one of the few radios available from specialized amateur radio equipment manufacturers. Many of the repeaters which have been constructed for 1.25-meter operation have been based on converted land-mobile base station hardware,^[3] often extensively modifying equipment originally designed for other VHF bands.^[4]

U.S. Novice licensees get privileges

By the 1980s, amateur use of 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands was at an all-time high while activity on 1.25 meters remained stagnant. In an attempt to increase use on the band, many amateurs called for holders of Novice-class licenses (the entry-level class at that time) to be given voice privileges on the band. In 1987, the FCC modified the Novice license to allow voice privileges on portions of the 1.25-meter and 23-centimeter (1.24–1.30 GHz) bands. In response, some of the bigger amateur radio equipment manufacturers started producing equipment for 1.25 meters. However, it never sold well, and by the early 1990s, most manufacturers had stopped producing equipment for the band.

U.S. reallocation

In 1973, the FCC considered Docket Number 19759, which was a proposal to establish a Class E Citizen's band service at 224 MHz. The proposal was opposed by the ARRL and after the explosive growth of 27 MHz Citizen's Band usage, the FCC dropped consideration of the docket in 1977.^[5]

In the late 1980s, United Parcel Service (UPS) began lobbying the FCC to reallocate part of the 1.25-meter band to the Land Mobile Service. UPS had publicized plans to use the band to develop a narrow-bandwidth wireless voice and data network using a mode called ACSSB (amplitude-companded single sideband). UPS's main argument for the reallocation was that amateur use of the band was very sparse and that the public interest would be better served by reallocating part of the band to a service that would put it to good use.^[6]

In 1988, over the objections of the amateur radio community, the FCC adopted the 220 MHz Allocation Order, which reallocated 220–222 MHz to private and federal government land-mobile use while leaving 222–225 MHz exclusively for amateur use. The reallocation proceeding took so long, however, that UPS eventually pursued other means of meeting its communications needs. UPS entered into agreements with GTE, McCall, Southwestern Bell, and Pac-Tel to use cellular telephone frequencies to build a wireless data network. With the 220–222 MHz band then left unused, the FCC issued parts of the band to other private commercial interests via a lottery in hopes that it would spark development of super-narrowband technologies, which would help them gain acceptance in the marketplace. In the 1990s and into the 2000s paging companies made use of the 1.25-meter band. Most all such use ended by the mid-2000s, with the paging companies being purchased by others and services moved to newer systems, or having gone out of business.

Canadian reallocation

Until January 2006, Canadian amateur radio operators were allowed to operate within the entire 220–225 MHz band. Canadian operations within 120 km of the United States border were required to observe a number of restrictions on antenna height and power levels to coordinate use with non-amateur services in the United States.^[7]

In 2005, Industry Canada decided to reallocate 220–222 MHz to land mobile users, similar to the US, but unlike in the US, a provision was included to allow the amateur service, in exceptional circumstances, to use the band in disaster relief efforts on a secondary basis. In addition, the band 219–220 MHz was allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. Both of these reallocations went into effect January 2006.

Band use

Canadian band plan

License class! style="width: 50px;"

219–220	220–222	222.00–222.05	222.05–222.10	222.10–222.275	222.275–222.3	222.31–223.37	223.39–223.49	223.49–223.59	223.59–223.89	223.91–225
Basic(+), Advanced

style="width: 25px; background-color: purple"

	= Available on a secondary basis to other users.
	= Available only to assist with disaster relief efforts.
	= Reserved for EME (Moon bounce)
	= Continuous wave (CW), 222.1 calling freq.
	= SSB, 222.2 calling freq.
	= Propagation beacons
	= FM repeaters (input −1.6 MHz)
	= High-speed data
	= FM simplex

Scope of operation in North America

Today, the 1.25-meter band is used by many amateurs who have an interest in the VHF spectrum.

There are pockets of widespread use across the United States, mainly in New England and western states such as California and Arizona with more sporadic activity elsewhere. The number of repeaters on the 1.25-meter band has grown over the years to approximately 1,500 nationwide as of 2004.^[8]

The attention that band received in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the reallocation of its bottom 2 MHz sparked renewed amateur interest. Many amateurs feared that lack of 1.25-meter activity would lead to reallocation of the remaining 3 MHz to other services.^[9] Today, new handheld and mobile equipment is being produced by amateur radio manufacturers, and it is estimated that more amateurs have 1.25-meter equipment now than at any point in the past.^[10]

Auxiliary stations

An auxiliary station, most often used for repeater control or link purposes or to remotely control another station, is limited in the United States to operation on frequencies above 144.5 MHz^[11] excluding 144.0–144.5 MHz, 145.8–146.0 MHz, 219–220 MHz, 222.00–222.15 MHz, 431–433 MHz, and 435–438 MHz. Operation of such control links in the crowded 2-meter band is problematic^[12] and on many frequencies in that band expressly prohibited, leaving 1.25-meter band frequencies as the lowest available for remote control of repeaters and unattended stations.^[13]

List of transceivers

See main article: List of amateur radio transceivers.

Since the band is allocated mostly in ITU Region 2 (Somalia, in Region 1, being the only exception thus far), the major equipment manufacturers (Kenwood, Yaesu, and Icom) do not often offer transceiver models that cover the frequency range. (see). This exacerbates the lack of usage of the 1.25-meter band, though manufacturers argue that what equipment they have produced has not sold well compared to other products.

In late seventies Yaesu introduced the FT-127 single band 220 MHz base station, and the FT-109RH portable radio. In 1987 they introduced the FT-33, single band 220 MHz version of the popular FT-23 portable radio.

In recent years, Kenwood and Yaesu have both included the 1.25-meter band in some of their multiband handheld transceivers. The Kenwood TH-F6A and TH-D74A; the Yaesu VX-6R, VX-7R and VX-8R (United States and Canada version) include coverage of the 1.25-meter band in addition to the more popular 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. Wouxun now has the KG-UVD1P in a 2-meter / 1.25-meter model, legal for use in the United States. In the 1980s, ICOM offered the IC-37A—a 220 MHz, 25-watt FM transceiver that can still be obtained as used equipment from various sources such as eBay and private collectors. In 2013, the BaoFeng UV-82X, an inexpensive 2-meter / 1.25-meter handheld, became available. During 2021, Baofeng then introduced its latest, and cheapest, UV-5r III handheld transceiver, which now includes the 1.25 meter band as standard.

Several 1.25-meter base/mobile transceivers are available. Among these are the Alinco DR-235T,^[14] the Jetstream JT220M,^[15] BTech UV-2501-220, BTech UV-25X4 quadband, and the TYT TH-9000 monoband radio, which comes in a 1.25-meter model.

The Chinese company Wouxun offers a 2 m and 1.25 m dual-band HT, the KG-UVD1P.^[16] These have received FCC approval in the United States; but are awaiting approval by Industry Canada.

Elecraft offers an all-mode (CW, FM, SSB) transverter for the band^[17] compatible with its K2 and K3 transceivers.

Countries with known allocations

ITU Region 1

• Somalia (220–225 MHz)

ITU Region 2

• Anguilla (220–225 MHz)^[18]
• Argentina (220–225 MHz)^[19]
• Aruba (220–225 MHz)^[20]
• Barbados (222–225 MHz)^[21]
• Belize (220–225 MHz)^[22]
• Bermuda (220–225 MHz)
• Bolivia (220–225 MHz)^[23]
• Bonaire (220–225 MHz)^[24]
• Brazil (220–225 MHz)
• British Virgin Islands (220–225 MHz)
• Canada (222–225 MHz amateur primary exclusive; 219–220 MHz secondary and shared; 220–222 MHz, only for "disaster relief")
• Cayman Islands (220–225 MHz)^[25]
• Chile (220–225 MHz)^[26]
• Costa Rica (222–225 MHz)^[27]
• Colombia (220–225 MHz)^[28]
• Cuba (222.9–224.6 MHz)^[29]
• Curaçao (220–225 MHz)^[30]
• Dominica (222.340–224.000 MHz)^[31]
• Dominican Republic (220–225 MHz)^[32]
• Ecuador (220–225 MHz)^[33]
• El Salvador (220–225 MHz)^[34]
• French Overseas Departments and Territories in Region 2 (220–225 MHz)^[35]
  • Overseas Departments

• • • French Guiana
    • Guadeloupe
    • Martinique
  • Overseas collectivities

• • • Saint Barthélemy
    • Saint Martin
    • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Guyana (220–225 MHz)^[36]
• Haiti (220–225 MHz)^[37]
• Honduras (222–225 MHz)^{[38] [39]}
• Jamaica (220–225 MHz)
• Mexico (222–225 MHz) (Band is channelized in some segments, and shared with commercial and government operations, including police.)^[40]
• Montserrat (220–225 MHz)^[41]
• Nicaragua (220–225 MHz)
• Panama (220–225 MHz)^[42]
• Paraguay (220–225 MHz)^[43]
• Peru (220–225 MHz)^[44]
• Sint Maarten (220–225 MHz)^[45]
• Suriname (220–225 MHz)^[46]
• Trinidad and Tobago (220–225 MHz)^[47]
• Turks and Caicos Islands (222–225 MHz)^[48]
• United States of America (222–225 MHz amateur primary exclusive; 219–220 MHz secondary, shared and limited)
• Uruguay (220–225 MHz)^[49]
• Venezuela (220–225 MHz)^[50]

Notes and References

1. Book: DeSoto, Clinton B. . 200 Meters and Down: The story of amateur radio . 2001 . Newington, CT . The Amateur Radio Relay League . 129.
2. Francis Colt . de Wolf . July 1938 . The Cairo telecommunication conferences . The American Journal of International Law . 32 . 3 . 562–568. 10.1017/S0002930000113867 . 246009766 .
3. Web site: GE Mastr II modifications for 220 MHz . (¿Jon Adams?) . 20 January 1989 . 2009-03-27 . jonadams.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20090214105558/http://www.jonadams.com/pages/amateur_radio/ge_mastr_2_220mhz_mods.htm . live . 14 February 2009.
4. Web site: 222 MHz Motorola Micor modifications . Kevin . Custer . Scott . Zimmerman . 2009-03-27 . repeater-builder.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20090511024914/http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/222menu.html . live . 11 May 2009.
5. Web site: JPL amateur radio club newsletter . November 1977 . 9 February 2010 . 19 August 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110819034200/http://jplarc.ampr.org/calling/1977/nov/nov77.html . dead .
6. https://web.archive.org/web/20051218024930/http://220.mrtmag.com/ar/radio_why_mhz/index.htm . 2005-12-18 . dead . Why 220MHz? . Todd . Ellis . 220MHz: An MRT Special Report . MRT Magazine . 6 March 2002 . 2013-03-26.
7. Web site: Interpretation of the U.S.-Canada For 220–222 MHz . 2010-03-14 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100306185538/http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/services/bandplans/220/agr.php . 6 March 2010 . Radio Amateurs of Canada.
8. Web site: Repeaters: What are they and how to use them . . 2009-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20080512062713/http://www2.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/repeater1.pdf . live . 12 May 2008.
9. Web site: 220 MHz (125 cm) info . Radio Amateurs of Canada . 2004 . 2009-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20071204065930/http://www.rac.ca/opsinfo/220mhz.htm . dead . 4 December 2007.
10. Web site: Getting on the 220 band . St. Lawrence Valley Repeater Council . 2009-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20090417054558/http://www.slvrc.org/220band.htm . live . 17 April 2009.
11. Web site: FCC regulations, part 97, subpart C – Special Operations . Federal Communications Commission . American Radio Relay League.
12. Web site: In the Matter of Kenwood Communications Corp. Request for Declaratory Ruling to Determine Compliance With Applicable Sections of Part 97 of the Commission's Rules or Waiver of Applicable Rule Sections . Federal Communications Commission . 28 July 2000.
13. Web site: What is the difference between a repeater and an auxiliary station? . Gary . Hendrickson . mrc.gen.mn.us.
14. Web site: Alinco DR-235T MK III 25 W FM mobile / base unit . Alinco Corporation . https://web.archive.org/web/20041013173121/http://www.alinco.com/Products/DR-235/ . 13 October 2004 .
15. Web site: Jetstream 220 MHz 50 Watt radio . https://web.archive.org/web/20090528101359/http://www.jetstream-usa.com/jt220m.shtml . 28 May 2009 .
16. Web site: Handheld two-way radio with dual band dual frequency dual display dual standby KG-UVD1P . 2009-11-06. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091212072242/http://www.wouxun.com/Two-Way-Radio/KG-UVD1P.htm . 12 December 2009 . Wouxun.
17. Web site: Elecraft XV Series Transverters . 15 May 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180409144845/http://www.elecraft.com/XV/XV.htm . 9 April 2018 . dead .
18. Web site: Anguilla Table of Frequency Allocations 88 MHz to 59 GHz . Ministry of Infrastructure Communications Utilities and Housing (MICUH). 12 . 8 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222113738/http://www.pucanguilla.org/Downloads/September_2014_Table_of_Allocations.pdf . 22 December 2015 .
19. Web site: Reglamento General del Servicio de Radioaficionados . General Rules of the Amateur Radio Service . Ministry of Communications. 67 . Spanish . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222113734/http://www.lu4aa.org/reglamentacion/sc5098.pdf . 22 December 2015.
20. Web site: Aruba application for a visitor's license . 1 November 2008.
21. Web site: Spectrum Management Handbook . Telecommunications Unit Barbados . DOC . 27 . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151234/https://www.telecoms.gov.bb/website/Documents/Spectrum%20Management%20Handbook%20TU.doc . 22 December 2015 .
22. Web site: Belize National Frequency Spectrum Allocation Plan . April 2002 . 23 March 2016.
23. Web site: Plan Nacional de Frecuencias . National Frequency Plan . Ministry of Public Works and Housing Services . 55 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 . 24 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924060705/http://www.oopp.gob.bo/vmtel/uploads/2012_RM294_-_Plan_Nacional_de_Frecuencias_-_Anexo.pdf . dead .
24. Web site: Application for Amateur Radio License . Netherlands Radiocommunications Agency . 2 . 8 August 2015 . 29 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150129054037/http://www.pj4g.com/Application_for_Amateur_Radio_License.pdf . dead .
25. Web site: The Information and Communications Technology Authority (Amateur Radio Licences) Regulations, 2010 . Information and Communications Technology Authority. 10 . 10 August 2015.
26. Web site: Presentación del Proyecto de Norma de Estaciones Repetidoras y Radiobalizas . Presentation of the Draft of Relay Stations and beacons . Federación de Clubes de Radioaficionados de Chile . Spanish . 10 August 2015.
27. Web site: Plan Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113937/http://www.telecom.go.cr/index.php/en-contacto-con-el-usuario/todos-los-documentos/telecom/espectro/plan-nacional-de-atribucion-de-frecuencias-reforma-cr-102a/download . dead . 24 September 2015 . National Frequency Allocation Plan . Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications. 209 . Spanish . 10 August 2015 .
28. Web site: Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias . National Table of Frequency Allocations . The National Spectrum Agency. 52 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222075749/http://www.ane.gov.co/index.php/component/jdownloads/finish/3/680.html?Itemid=0 . 22 December 2015.
29. Web site: Reglamento Sobre el Servicio de radioaficionados de Cuba . Regulations on the amateur radio service in Cuba . Ministry of Informatics and Communications. 21 . Spanish . 10 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145158/http://www.mincom.gob.cu/sites/default/files/marcoregulatorio/R%2057-04%20%20Reglamento%20de%20Radioaficionado.pdf . 22 December 2015 . dead .
30. Web site: Application for Amateur Radio License . Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BT&P). 2 . 8 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194922/http://www.btnp.org/PDF/Telecom%20laws/1.4.6_Amateur_Radio_License.pdf . 23 September 2015 . dead .
31. Web site: Telecommunications (Amateur Radio) Regulations, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923233324/http://www.ectel.int/images/Amateur-Radio-39-2012.pdf . dead . 23 September 2015 . Minister for Telecommunication. 15 . 12 August 2015 .
32. Web site: Plan Nacional de Atribucion de Frecuencias . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034523/http://www.indotel.gob.do/index.php/uploads/631/226-PDF . dead . 24 September 2015 . National Frequency Allocation Plan . Dominican Institute of telecommunications (INDOTEL). 34 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 .
33. Web site: Plan Nacional de Frecuencias . National Frequency Plan . The National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL). 62 . Spanish . 8 August 2015.
34. Web site: Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias . National Table of Frequency Allocations . General Superintendency of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET). 52 . Spanish . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185754/http://www.siget.gob.sv/attachments/2213_CNAF%202004%20y%20modificaciones%20al%202014.pdf . 4 March 2016.
35. 17 December 2013 . Décision no 2013-1515 . Decision No. 2013-1515 . live. French . . . 4–5 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317230438/http://www.ref-union.org/images/stories/ARCEP/2013_1515.pdf . 17 March 2014 . 17 March 2014 .
36. Web site: Guyana-ITU Focal Point . ITU. 11 . 2 February 2020.
37. Web site: Loi sur les télécommunications . Telecommunications Act . National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL). 22 . French . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112246/http://conatel.gouv.ht/pdf/loitelecom.pdf . 22 December 2015.
38. Web site: Plan Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias . National Frequency Allocation Plan . National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL). 46 . Spanish . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222170435/http://www.conatel.gob.hn:97/Doc/Planes_Tecnicos/PLAN_NACIONAL_DE_FRECUENCIA.pdf . 22 December 2015.
39. Web site: RESOLUCIÓN NR007/10 . Resolution NR007 / 10 . National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) . 21 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 . 23 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210051/http://www.conatel.gob.hn/doc/Regulacion/reglamentos/Reglamento_Radioaficionados.pdf . dead .
40. Web site: Mexico Amateur Radio frequency bands and channel allocations. 15 December 1994 . 1 November 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091026205659/http://geocities.com/wd9ewk/docs/xe-regs-15dec1994-c.pdf . 26 October 2009 . dead .
41. Web site: Info-Communications Authority's Spectrum Plan for the Island of Montserrat . The Info-Communications Authority of Montserrat. 24 . 10 August 2015.
42. Web site: Manual del Radioaficionado . Amateur Radio Manual . Ministry of Government and Justice. 107 . Spanish . 2005 . 10 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222115146/http://www.mingob.gob.pa/radioaficionados/manual_radioaficionado.pdf . 22 December 2015 .
43. Web site: Plan Nacional de Atribucion de Frecuencias de la Republica del Paraguay . National Frequency Allocation Plan of the Republic of Paraguay . National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) . DOC . 18 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151222121113/http://www.conatel.gov.py/files/marcoregulatorio/marcolegal/PLAN%20NACIONAL.doc . 22 December 2015.
44. Web site: Reglamento de Radioaficionados . MCT. 30 . 2 February 2020.
45. Web site: Amateur Radio License Application Form . Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten. 2 . 8 August 2015.
46. Web site: National Frequentie Plan Suriname (NFPS) . https://web.archive.org/web/20150221164902/http://www.tas.sr/images/pdf/NationaalFrequentieplanSuriname2011-2015.pdf . dead . 21 February 2015 . National Frequency Plan Suriname (NFPS) . Telecommunication Authority Suriname (TAS). 83 . Dutch . 10 August 2015.
47. Web site: Trinidad and Tobago Frequency Allocation Table (9 kHz to 1000 GHz) . The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago . 27. 16 October 2009 . 15 November 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721195011/http://www.tatt.org.tt/linkclick.aspx?fileticket=p-oVvD_2qXg%3D&tabid=98 . 21 July 2011 .
48. Web site: Wireless Telegraphy (Amateur Radio Operator Licensing) Regulations 2004 . Turks and Caicos Amateur Radio Society. 5 . 10 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924112757/http://www.tacars.org/regs.pdf . 24 September 2015 . dead .
49. Web site: Reglamento Servicio de Radioaficionados . Regulation amateur service . Regulatory Unit of Communications Services (URSEC) . 14 . Spanish . 8 August 2015 . 4 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090636/http://old.radiogruposur.org/Recursos/Pdfs/Reglamento.pdf . dead .
50. Web site: Cuadro Nacional de Atribución de Bandas de Frecuencias . National Table of Frequency Allocations . National Telecommunications Commission. 17 . Spanish . 8 August 2015.