What Is 220 MHz band

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 220 MHz band refers to a portion of the VHF spectrum between 222 and 225 MHz, allocated in the United States for amateur radio operations. It is one of the least-used amateur bands due to limited propagation and equipment availability.

Key Facts

The 220 MHz band spans from 222 to 225 MHz in the United States.
It was reallocated from amateur use in 1997 to accommodate public safety communications.
Only 3 MHz of spectrum remains for amateur radio in this band.
The band is primarily used for local VHF communication up to 50 miles.
Few commercial radios support the 220 MHz band due to limited demand.

Overview

The 220 MHz band is a segment of the Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum designated for amateur radio use in the United States. It occupies frequencies from 222 to 225 MHz, making it one of the narrowest allocations available to radio amateurs. Unlike the more popular 2-meter (144–148 MHz) or 70-centimeter (420–450 MHz) bands, the 220 MHz band sees limited activity due to regulatory and technical constraints.

Originally part of a broader allocation, the 220 MHz band was significantly reduced in 1997 when the FCC reallocated much of it to public safety and land mobile radio services. This decision limited amateur access to just 3 MHz of spectrum, contributing to its low adoption. Despite this, the band remains a niche but valuable resource for experimentation and regional communication.

Frequency range: The 220 MHz band spans 222 to 225 MHz, offering narrow bandwidth for amateur transmissions.
Allocation history: The FCC reallocated most of this band in 1997, leaving only a small portion for amateur use.
Propagation characteristics: Signals in this band typically travel up to 50 miles under line-of-sight conditions, similar to other VHF bands.
Equipment scarcity: Few commercial transceivers support 220 MHz, making hardware one of the main barriers to adoption.
Regulatory status: The band is restricted to amateur radio operators with appropriate license classes, primarily General and above.

How It Works

Operating on the 220 MHz band requires an understanding of its technical and regulatory framework. While it functions similarly to other VHF amateur bands, its limited spectrum and equipment support create unique challenges. The following terms explain key aspects of how this band operates and its practical implementation.

Licensing: In the U.S., General class or higher amateur radio license holders may operate on the 220 MHz band without restrictions.
Bandwidth: With only 3 MHz available, operators must use narrowband modes to avoid interference and maximize efficiency.
Propagation: The 220 MHz band behaves like other VHF bands, relying on line-of-sight and occasional tropospheric ducting for long-distance communication.
Repeaters: A limited number of amateur repeaters exist on this band, primarily in the western U.S., facilitating local communication.
Antenna design: Antennas for 220 MHz are slightly longer than UHF but shorter than 2-meter VHF, requiring custom or modified designs.
Interference: The proximity to public safety and industrial systems increases the risk of interference, requiring careful frequency coordination.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 220 MHz band with other common amateur radio bands to highlight its unique characteristics and limitations.

Band	Frequency Range	Typical Range	Licensing Tier	Common Uses
220 MHz	222–225 MHz	Up to 50 miles	General+	Local comms, experimentation
2-meter	144–148 MHz	50–100 miles	Technician+	Repeaters, FM, satellites
70-cm	420–450 MHz	30–70 miles	Technician+	Repeaters, digital modes
1.25-meter	222–225 MHz	Up to 50 miles	General+	Same as 220 MHz
6-meter	50–54 MHz	Local to DX	Technician+	Long-distance, sporadic-E

While the 220 MHz band shares similarities with other VHF allocations, its narrow bandwidth and limited infrastructure make it less accessible. The 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands dominate amateur VHF/UHF activity due to widespread equipment support and repeater networks. In contrast, the 220 MHz band remains a specialty option, primarily used by enthusiasts interested in underutilized spectrum.

Why It Matters

Despite its obscurity, the 220 MHz band holds significance for amateur radio innovation and spectrum diversity. Its continued existence allows for experimentation in underused frequency ranges and promotes technical literacy among radio operators. Preserving access to such bands ensures that amateur radio remains adaptable to changing regulatory and technological landscapes.

Spectrum diversity: The 220 MHz band adds variety to amateur allocations, preventing overreliance on a few popular bands.
Educational value: Working with rare bands teaches operators about frequency management and propagation nuances.
Emergency backup: In rare cases, 220 MHz can serve as an alternative during congestion on other VHF bands.
Technical challenge: Building and tuning equipment for this band fosters engineering skills and DIY innovation.
Regulatory precedent: Maintaining access to niche bands helps protect amateur interests during future spectrum reallocations.
Community building: The small user base fosters tight-knit communities focused on preserving and utilizing the band.

Though not widely used, the 220 MHz band exemplifies the importance of spectrum access for amateur experimentation. Its survival underscores the value of preserving lesser-known allocations for future innovation and emergency resilience.