Frequency allocation

Frequency allocation (or spectrum allocation) is the part of spectrum management dealing with the designation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into frequency bands, normally done by governments in most countries. Because radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries, governments have sought to harmonise the allocation of RF bands and their standardization.

The International Telecommunication Union defines frequency allocation as being of "a given frequency band for the purpose of its use by one or more terrestrial or space radiocommunication services or the radio astronomy service under specified conditions".

Frequency allocation is also a special term, used in national frequency administration. Other terms are:

Several bodies set standards for frequency allocation, including:

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)
• Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)

To improve harmonisation in spectrum utilisation, most service allocations are incorporated in national Tables of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations within the responsibility of the appropriate national administration. Allocations are:

• primary
• secondary
• exclusive or shared utilization, within the responsibility of national administrations.

Allocations of military usage will be in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations. In NATO countries, military mobile utilizations are made in accordance with the NATO Joint Civil/Military Frequency Agreement (NJFA).

Some of the bands listed (e.g., amateur 1.8–29.7 MHz) have gaps / are not continuous allocations.

• BCB is an abbreviation for broadcast band, for commercial radio news and music broadcasts.

• Spectrum management
• Amateur radio frequency allocations

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• ITU Radio Regulations - Volume 1 (Article 5) international table of frequency allocation by ITU Region. Alternative at ITU persistent link