5-centimeter band
A secondary microwave band for amateur and satellite use.
The 5-centimeter (5 GHz) band sits within the SHF (microwave) portion of the radio spectrum. Amateur radio and amateur satellite operators have secondary access to it internationally. In ITU regions 1 and 3, the amateur allocation runs from 5,650 MHz to 5,850 MHz, while in region 2 it extends to 5,925 MHz. For amateur satellites, downlinks are allowed from 5,830 to 5,850 MHz (also on a secondary basis), and uplinks from 5,650 to 5,670 MHz—but only on a non-interference basis to other users, per ITU footnote 5.282. Amateur stations must tolerate harmful interference from ISM devices operating in the band. This band falls within the IEEE C Band spectrum.
In the United States, the 5 cm band overlaps part of the U-NII band and the entire 5 GHz ISM band. Both overlapping bands support license-free applications like WiFi and other Part 15 devices. Because most U-NII and Part 15 gear can be retuned to amateur frequencies, this band is a primary choice for high-speed multimedia radio.
Notable frequencies include 5,668.2 MHz (Region 1 calling frequency 1), 5,760.1 MHz (Region 2 calling frequency), 5,760.2 MHz (Region 1 calling frequency 2), and 5,800 MHz (ISM band center frequency).
- Itu region 1 and 3 band
- 5,650 MHz to 5,850 MHz
- Itu region 2 band
- 5,650 MHz to 5,925 MHz
- Amateur satellite downlink
- 5,830 to 5,850 MHz (secondary basis)
- Amateur satellite uplink
- 5,650 to 5,670 MHz (non-interference basis, ITU footnote 5.282)
- Region 1 calling frequency 1
- 5,668.2 MHz
- Region 2 calling frequency
- 5,760.1 MHz
- Region 1 calling frequency 2
- 5,760.2 MHz
- Ism band center frequency
- 5,800 MHz
Lore & Background
The 5-centimeter band is part of the SHF spectrum and is allocated internationally to amateur radio and amateur satellite services on a secondary basis. In ITU regions 1 and 3, the amateur band spans 5,650 MHz to 5,850 MHz, while in region 2 it extends to 5,925 MHz. The amateur satellite service is allocated 5,830 to 5,850 MHz for down-links only on a secondary basis, and 5,650 to 5,670 MHz for up-links only on a non-interference basis to other users, per ITU footnote 5.282. Amateur stations must accept harmful interference from ISM users operating in the band. The band lies within the IEEE C Band spectrum.
Reader's Guide
The 5-centimeter band is significant because it overlaps the U-NII band and the 5 GHz ISM band in the United States, both of which are available for license-free applications such as WiFi and Part 15 devices. This overlap allows most U-NII and Part 15 equipment to be re-tuned to amateur frequencies, making the band a primary choice for high-speed multimedia radio. Its legacy is tied to its secondary allocation status, meaning amateurs must accept interference from ISM users, yet it remains a key resource for experimentation and digital communication. The band's calling frequencies—5,668.2 MHz and 5,760.2 MHz in region 1, and 5,760.1 MHz in region 2—serve as coordination points for amateur activity. The ISM band center frequency at 5,800 MHz is also notable within this spectrum.
Did You Know?
- The 5-centimeter band is within the IEEE C Band spectrum.
- In ITU region 2, the amateur radio band extends to 5,925 MHz.
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