1.25 Meter Ham Radio Band

The 1.25-meter amateur radio band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 222 MHz to 225 MHz. Other names for this ham band include the 220 band and the 222 band. The FCC took away from ham operators frequencies from 220 MHz to 222 MHz in 1988. There remains a secondary allocation for amateur use at 219-220 MHz, however, FM voice is not permitted within this secondary allocation.

In 2001 the FCC allocated the 216-220 MHz band to the fixed and mobile services (co-primary), although some government systems in the band will remain. The decision was made that limited secondary allocation to the Amateur Service at 219-220 MHz is being maintained. The amateur allocation at 219-220 MHz is secondary to the Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS). Within the 1 MHz of spectrum, Amateurs may install and operate point-to-point digital message-forwarding systems, but only under strict limitations that require coordination with and sometimes approval by AMTS licensees.