In 1979, the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) in Geneva resulted in the establishment of three new amateur radio bands: the 30-meter, 17-meter, and 12-meter bands. These bands, often referred to as the “WARC bands,” were allocated to provide more spectrum space for amateur radio operators and to alleviate congestion on existing bands. The 30-meter band (10.1-10.15 MHz) offers a unique blend of daytime and nighttime propagation characteristics, while the 17-meter (18.068-18.168 MHz) and 12-meter (24.89-24.99 MHz) bands provide excellent DX opportunities with relatively low noise levels. The addition of these bands significantly enhanced the flexibility and global reach of amateur radio communications, allowing operators to explore new frequencies and improve their operating skills. The WARC bands continue to be popular among hams for their favorable propagation properties and the opportunities they offer for experimentation and international contacts.
