The United States Federal Communications Commission has granted an experimental license to the American Radio Relay League (the peak US amateur radio national association) on behalf of a group of 23 US radio amateurs interested in investigating spectrum in the vicinity of 500 kHz.

Experimental license WD2XSH was issued September 13. The two-year authorization permits experimentation and research between 505 and 510 kHz using narrowband modes at power levels of up to 20 W ERP.

The FCC decision to allocate an experimental band from 505-510 kHz is a logical outcome – it avoids the distress and safety channel at 500 kHz and the NAVTEX maritime safety information broadcast channel at 518 kHz.

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA – the Australian equivalent of the ARRL) has indicated that they are prepared to apply for a similar experimental allocation for Australian amateur radio operators if there is sufficient demand.

The WIA has asked that expressions of interest be forwarded to WIA Director Glenn Dunstan, VK4DU, at vk4du@wia.org.au

More details on the ARRL proposal here.

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