UK Six Metre Bandplan
UK Six Metre Bandplan
The Six Metre band, centred on 50 MHz, is one of the most fascinating amateur radio bands. It combines characteristics of both HF and VHF propagation and can provide everything from local contacts to worldwide DX.
This page summarises the current UK 50 MHz bandplan, based on the RSGB 50 MHz bandplan .
UK 50 MHz Allocation
| Frequency | UK Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50.000 – 51.000 MHz | Primary | Amateur Service, subject to the UK licence conditions. |
| 51.000 – 52.000 MHz | Secondary | Maximum 100 W (20 dBW), operated on a non-interference basis. |
50 MHz Bandplan
The table below provides a practical summary of the current UK bandplan. Calling and centre-of-activity frequencies are provided for convenience and good operating practice. They do not constitute exclusive frequency allocations.
| Frequency | Primary Usage | Typical Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 50.000 – 50.100 MHz | Telegraphy / CW | CW, beacons and propagation work |
| 50.000 – 50.030 MHz | Synchronised beacon project | Time-shared propagation beacons |
| 50.050 MHz | CW | Future international centre of activity |
| 50.090 MHz | CW | Intercontinental DX centre of activity |
| 50.100 – 50.130 MHz | International DX | Intercontinental CW and SSB |
| 50.110 MHz | DX Calling | Intercontinental DX calling frequency |
| 50.130 – 50.200 MHz | CW / SSB | General international activity |
| 50.150 MHz | SSB | International centre of activity |
| 50.200 – 50.300 MHz | CW / SSB | General usage |
| 50.285 MHz | Crossband | Crossband centre of activity |
| 50.300 – 50.400 MHz | MGM / Narrowband | Digital modes, EME and meteor scatter |
| 50.305 MHz | Digital | PSK centre of activity |
| 50.310 – 50.320 MHz | EME | Earth-Moon-Earth / digital weak signal |
| 50.320 – 50.380 MHz | Meteor Scatter | MS and other weak-signal activity |
| 50.400 – 50.500 MHz | Propagation Beacons | Beacon systems and propagation monitoring |
| 50.500 – 52.000 MHz | All Modes | FM, DV, digital, packet, SSTV, RTTY and other modes |
FM, Digital Voice & Repeater Activity
| Frequency / Range | Usage |
|---|---|
| 50.520 / 50.530 / 50.540 MHz | FM/DV Internet voice gateways |
| 50.600 – 50.700 MHz | Digital communications |
| 50.630 MHz | Digital Voice calling |
| 50.720 – 50.870 MHz | FM/DV repeater outputs |
| 51.220 – 51.370 MHz | FM/DV repeater inputs |
| 51.410 – 51.590 MHz | FM/DV simplex |
| 51.510 MHz | FM calling frequency |
Six Metre DX Operating Guidance
The area from 50.100 to 50.130 MHz is intended for intercontinental DX. It should not be used for routine contacts between stations in the same continent.
Use 50.110 MHz to establish intercontinental contacts and then move to another frequency to complete the QSO.
During major Sporadic-E openings, the DX window can become extremely busy. Good operating practice is to keep transmissions brief, listen carefully and move completed contacts away from calling frequencies.
Digital & Weak Signal Activity
The upper part of the narrowband section is increasingly important for modern weak-signal operation.
Propagation Beacons
The 50.400 – 50.500 MHz section is designated for propagation beacons. These provide valuable information about the current state of the Six Metre band and can provide early warning of openings.
The synchronised beacon project also reserves 50.000 – 50.030 MHz, with the Region 1 portion occupying 50.000 – 50.010 MHz.
Why the Six Metre Band is Special
Six Metres can display an extraordinary mixture of propagation modes. Depending on season, solar activity and local conditions, operators may encounter:
Six Metre Quick Reference
This page is based on the RSGB Band Plan effective January 2026. RSGB band plans are derived from IARU Region 1 recommendations, with UK-specific variations where applicable.
Operators should check the latest RSGB and Ofcom information before operating, particularly where licence conditions or band allocations are concerned.