FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) celebrates the FCC's decision to expand amateur radio access in the 60-meter band, providing operators with valuable new spectrum for experimentation, communication, and public service.
The FCC has allocated a new continuous 15 kHz band (5351.5–5366.5 kHz) to the Amateur Radio Service while preserving access to the existing four channels at 5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz. The new allocation is limited to 9.15 watts ERP, creating an exciting place for QRP operators. The existing four channels retain their current 100-watt ERP power limit, ensuring operators continue to have robust capabilities for emergency communications and longer-distance contacts. The 60-meter band offers exceptional propagation characteristics that fill a critical gap between the 80-meter and 40-meter bands.
Where the allocation came from
The expanded 5351.5–5366.5 kHz allocation stems from the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), held in Geneva, Switzerland, when the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) adopted a worldwide secondary allocation for that 15 kHz segment to the Amateur Radio Service.
That global decision was intended to harmonize 60-meter privileges among many nations and create a more uniform band for experimentation, emergency communication, and propagation studies. Canada implemented these WRC-15 provisions into its amateur radio privileges in 2023. Until now, the United States had not fully implemented that international allocation. By adopting the WRC-15 allocation, the FCC aligns U.S. amateur radio regulations with international practice — recognizing the value of globally harmonized spectrum for amateur communications.
For low-power operators, the new allocation is especially appealing. The narrow 15 kHz band, combined with the modest power limit, makes this space a great playground for experimenting with efficient, low-power HF communication. Whether exploring propagation, testing antennas, or refining operating techniques, QRPers will find the band particularly suited to experimentation and skill development.
These new rules are not yet in effect
While NARA welcomes this expansion, we emphasize that every amateur operator remains responsible for knowing their operating privileges and must follow FCC rules. The newly adopted 5351.5–5366.5 kHz allocation takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Until then — and until the 30-day period has passed — all existing rules remain in force.
Once the effective date arrives, operators should carefully review the updated regulations to ensure compliance with power limits, emission bandwidth, license-class restrictions, and other requirements.
The expansion of 60-meter privileges is a positive development for the amateur radio service. We look forward to the new opportunities this change will bring for experimentation, communication, public service, and community building.
Read the full FCC document: FCC-25-60A1.pdf.
NARA remains committed to monitoring FCC proceedings and keeping the amateur radio community informed about important regulatory developments. We encourage all operators to visit the FCC's website and to participate in the comment process when opportunities arise to help shape the future of our service.
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