📡 VHF and UHF Communications: The Backbone of Local Ham Radio
For many new hams, Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands are the first stop on the airwaves. While HF (High Frequency) allows for worldwide “skip,” VHF and UHF are the backbone of reliable, day-to-day, local, and regional amateur radio communication.2
Understanding the Bands
VHF and UHF operate at higher frequencies and are characterized by having shorter wavelengths than HF.3
| Band | Frequency Range | Wavelength | Key Ham Band | Typical Usage |
| VHF | 30–300 MHz | 10 meters to 1 meter | 2-meters (144–148 MHz) | Local, regional, mobile, satellites |
| UHF | 300–3000 MHz | 1 meter to 10 centimeters | 70-centimeters (420–450 MHz) | Local, urban, digital modes |