There is an endless list of broadcasters around the world that use shortwave frequencies to broadcast to their listeners. Shortwave radio frequencies lie between the AM and FM bands.
The main advantage of this type of transmission is that it can travel great distances, thus connecting distant areas, even with just one transmitter. This allows transmissions from one country to be received in another.
Which of these frequency bands do major broadcasters in English-speaking countries use to communicate? We’ll explore that further below and delve into the findings on shortwave radio.
What frequencies do shortwave broadcasts work on?
Shortwave bands have frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz (3000-30,000 kHz). They have a relatively lower wavelength (hence high frequency) than traditional radio communication waves.
That is why they are called shortwave radio waves.
For example, we can consider the AM broadcast medium wave band (1MHz) to be primarily longwave because it has a frequency of 300 meters. Its 10 MHz shortwave counterpart has a shorter wavelength of just 30 meters.
This means that medium wave frequency can be transmitted longer but slower than short wave.
List of the most popular English speaking countries and their shortwave frequencies
The table below shows the most popular English speaking countries and their shortwave frequencies.
| country | frequencies |
| Australia | 2310, 2325, 2485, 4910, 5025, 5995, 6020, 6080, 7475, 9560, 9590, 9660, 9710, 11880, 12080, 13630, 13670, 15160, 15230, 15515, 17715, 17750, 17775, 17785, 17795, 21725 |
| Canada | 9610, 9755, 9770, 13650, 15365, 17740, 6160, 9625 |
| United States | 5875, 5975, 6005, 6040, 6130, 6195, 7130, 7160, 7320. 17830, 17885, 21470 |
| Great Britain | 5875, 5975, 6005, 6040, 6130, 6195, 7130, 7160, 7320. 17830, 17885, 21470 |
Shortwave radio applications
Below are some of the most common uses of shortwave radio.
Cell Phone Communication
Is it true that cell phones emit radiation? This rumor has caused a crowd to panic and discouraged some from sleeping with phones under their pillows.
Part of this is true, as phones emit radiation in small amounts that do not affect the user.
Mobile phones transmit signals at weak radio frequencies that cannot harm users. Some of the frequencies that a phone uses are:
● Medium frequency
● low frequency
● Very low frequency
● Ultra low frequency
● Extremely low frequency
The radio spectrum is reflected for frequencies above the middle to extremely high frequencies. At this point, experimental terahertz begins to show up.
This frequency is harmful to your body, but shortwave radio broadcasts below it.
International News
There are few better transmitters of international news than shortwave radio stations. But why is it like that?
As mentioned earlier, shortwave radio can travel great distances due to its high frequencies. Broadcasters who want to spread the news to a large audience therefore use shortwave broadcasting.
Since the audience is usually foreign, the recipient may request some form of translation or wait for the broadcast to be repeated in another language he understands.
Broadcasters trying to reach people from different geographic regions often have the same show in different languages.
The world’s largest broadcaster is the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), which is said to own the first shortwave radio. This definitely explains their popularity.
Currently, the BBC has expanded its activities to satellite, podcasts and videos on streaming platforms.
amateur radio
Do-it-yourselfers also get their money’s worth. You can operate radio stations as a personal hobby.
Anyone can obtain a state license to operate a radio station on the shortwave band.
Most amateur radio stations in the shortwave band are used for various applications such as B. the following:
● Personal education
● Music
● Entertainment
● Dissemination of propaganda
● Sports broadcast
● Niche radio stations
maritime communication
Seagoing vessels appreciate shortwave radio because it amplifies weaker signals by reflecting them back onto the ionosphere.
Because these devices broadcast from the sea, they use much stronger signals than if they were broadcasting from land. This property makes them suitable for seamless shortwave communications.
Today, several seagoing vessels have upgraded to satellite communications. However, this type of communication requires special satellite equipment, which most ships lack.
As a result, most maritime units stuck to shortwave radio, an affordable and reliable method of maritime communications.
Diploma
Shortwave radio has signal frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz, which means that long distances can be bridged.
Therefore, most shortwave broadcasts are in foreign languages. Its main applications are maritime communications, amateur radio, cellular communications, and international broadcasting.
