Who do we share the 60 meter band with?

[AgentCOPP1]

I've noticed all of the restrictions that are placed upon ham radio operators in the 60 meter band, such as only allowing USB, reduced maximum power, and secondary user status. Does anyone know who the primary users of our portion of the 60 meter band is? Is it military or government? Has anyone ever heard the primary users?

 

[N4CA]

60 Meter FAQ

We're considered secondary because other users--primarily federal government stations--are primary.
...
Internationally, the band 5250 to 5400 is allocated on a primary basis to the Fixed Service and on a secondary basis to the Mobile Service, except aeronautical mobile stations. In the US, the band's occupants include FCC Part 80 (Maritime) Part 87 (Aviation) and Part 90 (Private Land Mobile). Many specific government allocations are confidential.

 

[zz0468]

Is it military or government?

The answer to that question is "yes".

Has anyone ever heard the primary users?

I've heard non-amateur traffic on several of the channels. Some was data. USB traffic sounded like marine traffic, perhaps a Navy research vessel.

 

[ka3jjz]

If memory serves, hams can now use data transmissions on 60m where CW and data were prohibited before...Mike

 

[majoco]

The first item in any regulation always says....

"Not withstanding anything in these regulations, the government can do anything it damn well likes" :roll: