60 Meters Just Got Interesting…

If you haven’t been paying attention to 60 meters lately, now might be a good time to dust off that memory bank. In a recent video, Ted (W1TED) walks through some of the latest changes impacting the 5 MHz band — and yes, it’s the kind of regulatory shuffle that actually affects how we operate, not just paperwork trivia.

The 60-meter band has always been a little “different” compared to our other HF playgrounds. With channelized operation, specific power limits, and shared use with government services, it’s never been the Wild West of ham radio. Recent adjustments — influenced by international decisions and adopted here in the U.S. by the Federal Communications Commission — are shaping how we’ll access and use the band going forward. That means frequency awareness, understanding current channel allocations, and making sure we’re operating within the latest guidelines.

Why does this matter? Because 60 meters can be a fantastic band when conditions cooperate — especially for regional NVIS work and reliable mid-distance contacts. It’s one of those bands that quietly shines when 40 and 80 start acting moody. So if you haven’t ventured there in a while, this might be your nudge.

As always, staying informed keeps us sharp — and keeps the hobby healthy. Give the video a watch, check your programming, and maybe we’ll hear each other on 5 MHz soon.