On this page:
- Frequency bands
- Radio waves and antennas
- Where services sit in the radiofrequency spectrum
The radiofrequency spectrum is where radio waves are transmitted.
You 'use' spectrum when you use any radiocommunications device. This includes:
- marine radio on a boat
- CB radio
- body scanning machine in an airport
- garage door opener
Frequency bands
Several frequency bands make up the radiofrequency spectrum.
| Acronym | Meaning | Frequency band |
|---|---|---|
| VLF | Very low frequency | 3 to 30 kHz |
| LF | Low frequency | 30 to 300 kHz |
| MF | Medium frequency | 300 to 3000 kHz |
| HF | High frequency | 3 to 30 MHz |
| VHF | Very high frequency | 30 to 300 MHz |
| UHF | Ultra high frequency | 300 to 3000 MHz |
| SHF | Super high frequency | 3 to 30 GHz |
| EHF | Extremely high frequency | 30 to 300 GHz |
Each band also has multiple sub-bands for certain services.
Radio waves and antennas
The frequency of a radio wave determines its characteristics, such as:
- the distance the radio wave it can travel
- whether it can penetrate through trees or into buildings
- the cost of equipment, which generally increases as the frequency increases
Different services need frequencies (wavelengths) with different characteristics. Longer wavelengths need larger antennas but can travel longer distances than short wavelengths.
We match the needs of a service with the right characteristics. This makes the best use of spectrum. The result is that some bands are more valuable and in much higher demand than others.
Where services sit in the radiofrequency spectrum
2 diagrams show the major spectrum allocations in Australia.
These diagrams are for educational purposes only. They do not show all uses from the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan.