IARU Region 1 Six Metre Bandplan

IARU Region 1 — 6 Metre Band Plan

The 6 metre band — 50 MHz
The IARU Region 1 band plan provides a framework for the shared use of the 50–54 MHz amateur band. It separates different modes and activities to minimise interference and make the best use of the available spectrum.

This page provides a simplified operating summary of the IARU Region 1 50 MHz band plan.

50.000 – 50.100 MHz — Beacons & CW

Frequency Mode Purpose / Usage
50.000–50.030 Beacons Synchronised Beacon Project and propagation beacons.
50.050 CW CW Centre of Activity.
50.090 CW Intercontinental CW Centre of Activity.
50.100–50.200 CW / SSB International weak-signal and DX activity.

50.100 – 50.200 MHz — International DX

Frequency Activity Notes
50.100–50.130 Intercontinental DX Preferred weak-signal DX section.
50.110 DX Centre of Activity Intercontinental calling frequency.
50.130–50.200 International activity Move here for longer QSOs.
50.150 Centre of Activity International activity.
50.110 MHz: This is the recognised intercontinental DX Centre of Activity. It should be kept available for calling and short exchanges rather than being used for prolonged QSOs.

50.200 – 50.300 MHz — SSB / CW

Frequency Activity
50.200–50.300 General SSB and CW activity.
50.285 Crossband Centre of Activity.

50.300 – 50.400 MHz — Weak Signal / MGM

Frequency Activity
50.305 PSK Centre of Activity.
50.310–50.320 EME Centre of Activity.
50.320–50.380 Meteor Scatter activity.
Digital weak-signal modes: Narrow-band digital modes should be operated within the appropriate sections of the band and with the minimum bandwidth necessary. Operators should always leave sufficient spectrum for other stations.

50.400 – 50.500 MHz — Beacons

The 50.400–50.500 MHz section is designated for beacon operation. This part of the band is particularly valuable for monitoring propagation conditions.

50.500 – 52.000 MHz — FM / Digital Voice

Frequency Activity
50.540–50.580 FM / Digital Voice / Internet Voice Gateways.
50.600–50.700 Digital communications.
50.630 Digital Voice Centre of Activity.
51.510 FM calling frequency.

52.000 – 54.000 MHz — General Use

The upper part of the 6 metre band provides additional spectrum for a variety of amateur activities, subject to national regulations and licence conditions.

Operators should select frequencies and bandwidths appropriate to the mode being used and avoid causing harmful interference to established amateur activities.

Good Operating Practice

  • The IARU band plan is a voluntary operating framework and does not replace national licensing regulations.
  • A Centre of Activity is not an exclusive allocation. Move a completed contact away from a calling frequency.
  • Always listen before transmitting, particularly during periods of enhanced propagation.
  • During Sporadic-E, F2, auroral, meteor-scatter and other propagation events, careful frequency selection is especially important.
  • Use the minimum bandwidth necessary for the mode being used.
UK operators: The IARU Region 1 band plan should always be read alongside the current UK amateur radio licence conditions and Ofcom frequency allocations. The IARU plan does not override national regulations.

6 Metre Quick Reference

Frequency Primary Activity
50.050 CW Centre of Activity
50.090 Intercontinental CW
50.110 Intercontinental DX Centre of Activity
50.150 International Centre of Activity
50.200+ General SSB / CW
50.285 Crossband Centre of Activity
50.305 PSK Centre of Activity
50.310–50.320 EME
50.320–50.380 Meteor Scatter
50.400–50.500 Beacons
50.540–50.580 FM / Digital Voice
50.600–50.700 Digital Communications
51.510 FM Calling Frequency
Source: IARU Region 1 VHF Handbook, Version 10.02 — 50 MHz Band Plan. This page is a simplified summary for UKSMG members and should not be regarded as a substitute for the official IARU Region 1 band plan or national licensing requirements.