Question T1B07
From subelement T1 - T1B
Which of the following VHF/UHF band segments are limited to CW only?
Why is this correct?
Answer A is correct because these are the only two CW-only segments in VHF/UHF bands. The 50.0-50.1 MHz segment (6 meters) and 144.0-144.1 MHz segment (2 meters) are both restricted to CW only by Part 97 regulations. Option B is wrong because 219-220 MHz is for fixed digital message forwarding only (not CW), and 420.0-420.1 MHz has no CW restriction. Option C (902.0-902.1 MHz) also has no CW-only restriction.
Memory tip
Remember the pattern: VHF/UHF CW-only segments always start at the band edge and extend exactly 0.1 MHz (100 kHz) into the band. This creates a clean separation between CW and other modes, with CW getting the 'prime real estate' at the bottom of each affected band.
Learn more
These CW-only segments preserve spectrum efficiency and maintain amateur radio tradition. CW's narrow bandwidth and excellent weak-signal performance make it ideal for the lower portions of VHF bands where propagation can be challenging. The 100 kHz CW-only segments on 6 and 2 meters support weak-signal communication, EME (moonbounce), and microwave rainscatter techniques that require CW's superior signal-to-noise characteristics for long-distance VHF communication.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC allocated CW-only segments at the bottom of VHF bands rather than spreading CW privileges throughout the entire band?