Amateur Service

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the

radio frequency Radio frequency (RF) is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around to around . This is roughly between the u ...

spectrum A spectrum (: spectra or spectrums) is a set of related ideas, objects, or properties whose features overlap such that they blend to form a continuum. The word ''spectrum'' was first used scientifically in optics to describe the rainbow of co ...

for purposes of

non-commercial A non-commercial (also spelled noncommercial) activity is an activity that is not carried out in the interest of Profit (economics), profit. The opposite is Commerce, commercial, something that primarily serves profit interests and is focused on bu ...

exchange of messages,

wireless Wireless communication (or just wireless, when the context allows) is the transfer of information (''telecommunication'') between two or more points without the use of an electrical conductor, optical fiber or other continuous guided transm ...

experimentation, self-training, private recreation,

radiosport Radiosport (or radio sport) is formal competition among amateur radio operators in any of three amateur radio activities: ARDF, DXing, and contesting. The Friendship Radiosport Games is an international multi-sport event that includes all t ...

contesting Contesting (also known as '' radiosport'') is a competitive activity pursued by amateur radio operators. In a contest, an amateur radio station, which may be operated by an individual or a team, seeks to contact as many other amateur radio sta ...

, and emergency communications. The term ''"radio amateur"'' is used to specify ''"a duly authorized person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without

pecuniary {{Short pages monitor {{DEFAULTSORT:Amateur Radio Amateur radio, History of radio Radiocommunication services ITU