What are the various radio frequency ranges and what are they used for?
Radio frequencies are usually measured in either MHz (Megahertz) or KHz (Kilohertz), with GHz (Gigahertz) for the very high frequencies sometimes referred to. Here is the portion of the radio spectrum of interest to most listeners: 3-30 KHz – VLF (Very Low Frequency) – rarely used – local, line of sight 30-300 KHz – LF (Low Frequency) or Longwave – mostly navigational beacons in the U.S., some broadcast stations in Europe – mostly local, line of sight 300 KHz – 3 MHz – MF or Mediumwave – mostly AM broadcast stations (local daytime, some long range reception nights) 3 MHz-30 MHz – HF or Shortwave – lots, but mainly utilities, HAM radio operators and shortwave broadcast stations (lower portion global nighttime, higher portion global daytime). 30 MHz-300 MHz – VHF (Very High Frequency) – Public service, lots (mostly local, line of sight) 300 MHz-3 GHz – UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – Public Service, lots (local, line of sight) 3 GHz-30 GHz – SHF 30 GHz-300 GHz – EHF The microwave frequencie
