📡 The 138 to 154 MHz frequency range falls within the VHF (Very High Frequency) spectrum, specifically between the 2-meter amateur radio band and the upper portion of land mobile radio services. This slice of the radio spectrum is buzzing with activity — from public safety to agriculture, aviation, and even amateur communication.
Let’s break down who uses it and why it matters.
🛰️ A Quick Overview of the Band
- Frequency Range: 138 MHz to 154 MHz
- Band Type: VHF (Very High Frequency)
- Wavelength: ~2.2 meters
- Propagation: Ideal for short to medium-range communication — great for urban and rural use, often line-of-sight but can follow terrain a bit better than UHF.
🚓 Who Uses the 138–154 MHz Band?
This band is primarily used for government, commercial, and land mobile communication. Here’s a breakdown by service:
🛡️ 138–144 MHz: Military and Government Use
- Reserved mainly for U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD).
- You’ll find encrypted military voice communication, logistics coordination, and emergency preparedness networks here.
- Use is highly regulated and not open for civilian radio or scanning in many countries.
📻 144–148 MHz: Amateur Radio (2-Meter Band)
- This is ham radio territory. It’s one of the most popular bands for amateur radio operators.
- Uses include:
- Local repeater communication
- Emergency services (via amateur radio support)
- Satellite uplinks and downlinks
- Digital and voice modes (FM, APRS, packet, DMR)
🚒 150–154 MHz: Public Safety and Business Use
- This portion is used for police, fire, EMS, and utility companies.
- Also includes:
- Railroad dispatching
- Forestry and natural resources
- Agricultural coordination
- Rural school bus systems
- Often licensed by state and local governments under the VHF High Band Land Mobile Service.
📶 Why VHF Is Chosen for These Applications
- Longer range than UHF in open spaces
- Less interference from buildings (compared to higher frequencies)
- Works well with simple antennas
- Useful in remote and rural locations
⚠️ Can I Use It for My Own Radio Setup?
Not without a license. Most of the 138–154 MHz band is heavily regulated:
- 138–144 MHz is off-limits to civilians
- 144–148 MHz is open to licensed ham operators
- 150–154 MHz is licensed for public safety or business use
You can monitor some of these frequencies with scanners (depending on your country’s laws), but transmitting without a license is illegal.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The 138 to 154 MHz band is one of the most important slices of VHF spectrum in terms of real-world utility. It supports everything from federal security and military operations to ham radio innovation, and emergency communication infrastructure in remote areas. It’s a prime example of how frequency allocation keeps our world connected, safe, and responsive.