20-meter band
A popular shortwave band for long-distance communication and contests.
The 20-meter amateur radio band, also known as the 14-MHz band, occupies a slice of the shortwave spectrum from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz. It is regarded as one of the best bands for long-distance communication, or DXing, and is especially popular—and often congested—during contest periods. This popularity stems from several factors: the band is relatively wide, antennas tuned to it are compact compared to those for the 40-meter or 80-meter bands, and it offers reliable daytime international contacts even when propagation conditions are poor.
The band was first opened to amateur operators in the United States on October 10, 1924, by the Third National Radio Conference. Worldwide allocation came on October 4, 1927, at the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C., with frequencies from 14 to 14.4 MHz. The range was later reduced to 14–14.35 MHz by the International Radio Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1947.
Band plans vary by region. In IARU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Northern Asia), Region 2 (the Americas), and Region 3 (Asia-Pacific), specific allocations apply. The United States band plan took effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on February 23, 2007. Canada, as part of Region 2, follows the IARU band plan, though the Radio Amateurs of Canada provides a recommended band plan that is a suggestion rather than a legal requirement. Japan updated its band plan on September 25, 2023.
- Frequency range
- 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz
- Original allocation
- 14–14.4 MHz
- Current allocation
- 14–14.35 MHz
- Opened in us
- October 10, 1924
- Worldwide allocation
- October 4, 1927
- Allocation reduced
- 1947
Lore & Background
The 20-meter band was opened to amateur radio operators in the US by the Third National Radio Conference on October 10, 1924. It was allocated on a worldwide basis by the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 4, 1927, with a frequency allocation of 14–14.4 MHz. The allocation was reduced to 14–14.35 MHz by the International Radio Conference of Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1947.
Several factors contribute to the band's popularity, including its large size, the relatively small size of antennas tuned to it (especially as compared to antennas for the 40-meter band or the 80-meter band), and its good potential for daytime international operation even in unfavorable propagation conditions. Band plans exist for IARU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Northern Asia), Region 2 (the Americas), and Region 3 (Asia-Pacific). The United States band plan became effective at 12:01 a.m. EST, February 23, 2007. Canada, as part of Region 2, is subject to the IARU band plan, but the Radio Amateurs of Canada offers a bandplan as a recommendation without force of law. Japan changed its band plan on September 25, 2023.
Reader's Guide
The 20-meter band is notable for its role in long-distance communication (DXing) and contesting, where it is considered among the best and most popular bands. Its large frequency range (14.000–14.350 MHz) allows for many simultaneous contacts, while the relatively small antenna size compared to lower-frequency bands makes it accessible to operators with limited space. The band's good potential for daytime international operation even in unfavorable propagation conditions further enhances its utility. Historically, the band was first opened in the US in 1924 and gained worldwide allocation in 1927, with a subsequent reduction in 1947. Band plans vary by region, with specific effective dates for the United States (February 23, 2007) and Japan (September 25, 2023), while Canada's plan is a non-binding recommendation. The band remains a cornerstone of amateur radio for both casual and competitive operation.
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