Italian 43 MHz VHF CB

From HFUnderground

VHF low band 43 MHz VHF FM "43 MHz CB" allocation allowed in Italy only. 24 channels. Similar to CB, JAKT Radio 31MHz in Sweden and other VHF/UHF services such as FRS, GMRS, MURS, Freenet, etc.

Not to be confused with the "I2" 27 MHz 11 meter 34 channel CB band 26.875 MHz - 27.265 MHz available in Italy (in addition to the regular EU/CEPT standard CB 40 channel CB band 26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz), or the 40 MHz ISM allocation, which is also used for paging, remote control, RC, R/C, telecommand and other purposes (including a CADS/WPAS-like church radio or parish radio - "radio parrocchiale" parish radio audio distribution service in Italy).

5 watts maximum power limit, no limits on antenna height or gain. FM mode only. Each channel has a "recommended use" - 12.5 kHz steps 43.3000 MHz to 43.5875 MHz. 43.3-43.6 MHz band.

Many radios sold for this band can be easily modified for "export" use - which expands frequency coverage to 42.3000 MHz to 45.0875 MHz and increases transmit power from 5w to 20w or 25w. Apparently their use is quite popular in Ukraine, parts of Russia and elsewhere. Examples of these radios include the Dragon MX-430, Dragon SY-5430, Intek K-43, Intek SY-343, Intek SY-90, Intek SY-5430, Intek SY-5430M, Alan HM-43, Alan HP-43, Alan HP-43 PLUS and others. Alinco manufactures a "low" version of their DR-135 mobile transceiver series for the Russian market Alinco DR-135LH, one version covers 33 MHz to 48.5 MHz and 57.0125 MHz to 57.5 MHz, which covers the 43 MHz band and the 42.3 MHz - 45.1 MHz band 43.3 MHz to 45.0875 MHz expanded band.

The 43 MHz band is still used for voice communications as well as data/telemetry systems using F1D, F2D, G2D etc. digital modes, long range wireless control, remote control, point-to-point radio data links, point-to-multipoint radio data links and similar non-voice applications. This is analogous to the data burst, data link, paging or telemetry systems found on the license-free 26 MHz and 27 MHz RC frequencies and MURS frequencies in the United States.

See below for a SDR waterfall screengrab showing activity on the Italian 43 MHz CB band:

[1]

Ch	Freq MHz	- Use -
1	43.3000 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
2	43.3125 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
3	43.3250 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
4	43.3375 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
5	43.3500 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
6	43.3625 MHz	Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
7	43.3750 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
8	43.3875 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
9	43.4000 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
10	43.4125 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
11	43.4250 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
12	43.4375 MHz	Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural
13	43.4500 MHz	For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
14	43.4625 MHz	For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
15	43.4750 MHz	For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
16	43.4875 MHz	For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
17	43.5000 MHz	To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
18	43.5125 MHz	To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
19	43.5250 MHz	To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
20	43.5375 MHz	To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
21	43.5500 MHz	For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
22	43.5625 MHz	For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
23	43.5750 MHz	For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
24	43.5875 MHz	For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.