Ham Radio 70cm Band Plan: Segments and Uses

Overview of the 70cm band

In the United States the 70 centimeter amateur band covers 420 to 450 MHz. It is a UHF band, and it is available to every license class from Technician upward. It is popular for handheld radios, repeaters, satellite work, weak-signal operation and amateur television. For how it compares with 2 meters, see Is Ham Radio UHF or VHF?.

Band plans are voluntary

A band plan is a voluntary agreement that divides a band by mode or activity so incompatible uses do not interfere with each other. In the US, the FCC rules set the legal limits of the band and permitted emission types; the details below generally come from the ARRL band plan and from regional frequency coordinators. Following the plan is good operating practice, but local plans can differ, so check with local coordinators or clubs.

Segments at a glance

The table below is a simplified summary of the commonly cited US layout. Always check the current ARRL band plan and your local coordinator for exact details.

Boundaries overlap in some areas, and regional plans vary, so treat this as a map rather than a rulebook.

Repeaters and offsets

Most 70cm FM repeater activity is found in the upper part of the band. The standard offset in the US is 5 MHz, and the input is often higher than the output for repeaters in 442-445 MHz and 447-450 MHz. For example, a repeater transmitting on 444.000 MHz commonly listens on 449.000 MHz. Many handhelds can program the offset automatically, but verify against your local repeater directory. Repeaters may also need a CTCSS (PL) tone to open, and some systems use digital modes such as D-STAR, DMR or System Fusion.

Simplex and the calling frequency

The National Simplex Calling frequency on 70cm is 446.000 MHz. You can call on it and move to another simplex frequency to chat. Local groups also publish their own simplex frequencies, and nets or events sometimes use dedicated channels.

Weak-signal, satellite and television

• Weak-signal: The segment around 432 MHz is used for CW and SSB, with 432.100 MHz widely used as the calling frequency. It also covers earth-moon-earth (EME) activity and beacons.
• Satellite: Several amateur satellites use the 435-438 MHz area. FM satellites often use UHF on their downlink or uplink.
• Amateur television: The lower and upper parts of the band can support wide-bandwidth television signals.

Secondary status and restrictions

In the US, amateur radio is a secondary user in much of the 70cm band, with other services holding primary status. Because of this, some areas near certain radar installations have additional restrictions, and the rules in Part 97 limit operation in some locations. If you plan to run high power, check the current regulations.

Outside the United States

The band covers different ranges in other places. In ITU Region 1, which includes Europe and Africa, the amateur allocation is usually 430-440 MHz, and repeater offsets are different. Check your national regulator or amateur society.

Does 2m or 70cm have better range?

Typically 2m has a small advantage over open terrain, while 70cm often works better inside buildings and cities. Both depend strongly on antenna height. See VHF handheld radio range for more.

What frequency is the 70cm wavelength?

The name refers to the wavelength. A frequency of 432 MHz has a wavelength of about 69 cm. The relationship is roughly 300 divided by the frequency in MHz, giving the wavelength in meters.

Tips for using the band

• Program a few local repeaters and simplex channels first.
• Use the narrowest filter your radio offers for weak-signal work.
• Listen before transmitting.
• Check the current ARRL band plan and local coordinator listings.